Surgical stapling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/779,873, filed Mar. 13, 2013, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatuses. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to surgical staplingapparatuses including knife drive lockout mechanisms.

Description of Related Art

Surgical stapling apparatuses that are configured to staple and,subsequently, sever tissue are well known in the art. Such staplingapparatuses, typically, include, a housing and an elongated member thatextends from the housing. In certain instances, a multi use loading unit(MULU) that includes a reload may be configured to releasably couple toa distal end of the elongated member. Alternatively, the reload may befixedly supported at the distal end of the elongated member. In eitherof the aforementioned reload configurations, an anvil and cartridge maybe provided on jaws of the reload and configured to staple tissue. Aknife (or other suitable device) may be utilized to sever the stapledtissue. The knife may be actuated via one or more actuation devicesoperably associated with the surgical stapling apparatus and translatedthrough the anvil and cartridge to sever the staple tissue.

While the aforementioned reload configurations provide numerousadvantages, it may be desirable to prevent inadvertent firing of theknife of the surgical stapler when a staple cartridge is not installedor is spent.

SUMMARY

As can be appreciated, surgical stapling apparatuses that include knifedrive lockout mechanisms may prove useful in the surgical arena.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail withreference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numeralsidentify similar or identical elements. As used herein, the term“distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is furtherfrom a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that isbeing described which is closer to a user.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a surgical staplingapparatus (stapler). The stapler includes a housing and an elongatedmember that extends therefrom. The elongated member is configured tooperably support a reload at a distal end thereof. A cartridge isconfigured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload.The cartridge includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anviloperably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured tocompress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvilincludes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured totranslate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jawmembers are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife andthe resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from aninitial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past theat least one locking member when the knife is fired to a finalconfiguration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. Thesurgical stapling apparatus may include a firing mechanism that isconfigured to translate the knife through the anvil and cartridge.

The anvil and cartridge may each include one or more recesses disposedthereon that are configured for receipt of the resilient member(s)therethrough. The recess(es) on the anvil and cartridge may be invertical registration with one another.

The resilient member(s) may be in the form of a spring-clip. The springclip may include a generally arcuate configuration that is defined byopposing sidewalls. One or both of the opposing sidewalls may have oneor more flanges thereon configured to releasably engage a tissuecontacting surface of cartridge.

The locking member(s) may include a generally elongated configurationand may include one or more cam surfaces that are disposed at a proximalend thereof. The cam surface(s) may be configured to engage a flangedisposed on a top portion of the knife. In the initial configuration,the resilient member(s) may be configured to raise the locking member(s)a predetermined distance above a tissue contacting surface of thecartridge so as to prevent engagement between the cam surface(s) and theflange such that the knife is allowed to travel distally past thelocking member(s) when the knife is fired.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a surgical staplingapparatus (stapler). The stapler includes a housing and an elongatedmember that extends therefrom. The elongated member is configured tooperably support a reload at a distal end thereof. The reload includesfirst and second jaw members. The first jaw member is configured tooperably couple to a cartridge that includes one or more resilientmember(s) thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member ofthe reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected fromthe cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking member(s) thereon.A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil whenthe cartridge is coupled to the first jaw member and when the first andsecond jaw members are in a closed configuration. The locking member(s)are movable from a first configuration when the cartridge is not coupledto the first jaw member for engaging the knife to a second configurationwhen the cartridge is coupled to the first jaw member for allowing theknife to travel distally past the at least one locking member when theknife is fired.

When the cartridge is coupled to the first jaw member, the resilientmember(s) may be movable from an initial configuration in which theresilient member(s) may be disposed within both the anvil and cartridgeto a final configuration in which the resilient member(s) may bedisposed solely within the cartridge. In the initial configuration, theknife is allowed to travel distally past the locking member(s) when theknife is fired. Moreover, in the final configuration the lockingmember(s) are configured to engage the knife. The surgical staplingapparatus may include a firing mechanism that is configured to translatethe knife through the anvil and cartridge.

The anvil and cartridge may each include one or more recesses disposedthereon that are configured for receipt of the resilient member(s)therethrough. The recess(es) on the anvil and cartridge may be invertical registration with one another.

The resilient member(s) may be in the form of a spring-clip. The springclip may include a generally arcuate configuration that is defined byopposing sidewalls. One or both of the opposing sidewalls may have oneor more flanges thereon configured to releasably engage a tissuecontacting surface of cartridge.

The locking member(s) may include a generally elongated configurationand may include one or more cam surfaces that are disposed at a proximalend thereof. The cam surface(s) may be configured to engage a flangedisposed on a top portion of the knife. In the initial configuration,the resilient member(s) causes the locking member(s) to pivot so as toprevent engagement between the cam surface(s) and the flange such thatthe knife is allowed to travel distally past the locking member(s) whenthe knife is fired.

An aspect of the present disclosure also provides a cartridge that isconfigured for use with a surgical stapling apparatus. The cartridgeincludes a housing configured to selectively couple to a first jawmember of the surgical stapling apparatus. The cartridge includes one ormore recesses that are configured to receive one or more resilientmembers therein. The resilient member(s) may be configured for insertionthrough a corresponding recess disposed on an anvil of a second jawmember of the surgical stapling apparatus. Insertion of the resilientmember(s) through the corresponding recess(es) disposed on the anvilresults in engagement between the resilient member(s) and one or morelocking members operably disposed on the anvil; this allows a knife ofthe surgical stapling apparatus to travel distally past the lockingmember(s) when the knife is fired and allows the locking member(s) toengage the knife.

The resilient member(s) may be in the form of a spring-clip. The springclip may include a generally arcuate configuration that is defined byopposing sidewalls each having one or more flanges thereon configured toreleasably engage a tissue contacting surface of cartridge.

The locking member(s) may include a generally elongated configurationand may include one or more cam surfaces that are disposed at a proximalend thereof. The cam surface(s) may be configured to engage a flangedisposed on a top portion of the knife.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a reload for use with asurgical instrument. The reload includes first and second jaw membersthat are pivotably coupled to each other. The first jaw member includesa channel and a sled is disposed in the channel. The sled istranslatable between proximal and distal portions of the channel. Anactuation member is located in the first jaw member and is movablebetween proximal and distal portions of the channel. A cartridge isremovably coupled to the channel and includes a plurality of pushers. Alockout mechanism includes an actuation plate that is disposed in thecartridge. The actuation plate is repositionable between a firstposition and a second position. The actuation member is free to movebetween the proximal and distal portions when the actuation plate is inthe first position. The actuation member is blocked from movement whenthe actuation plate is in the second position. A biasing member iscoupled to the first jaw member and urges the actuation plate towardsthe second position. Distal movement of the actuation member transitionsthe actuation plate from the first position to the second position.

Engagement of the actuation plate and a pusher may maintain theactuation plate in the first position. The pusher may be a stapledriving pusher. Distal movement of the actuation member may repositionthe pusher such that the biasing member urges the actuation plate fromthe first position to the second position. When the actuation plate isin the first position, the actuation member is translatable from theproximal portion of the channel to the distal portion of the channel.Moreover, when the actuation plate is in the second position, theactuation member is maintained at the proximal portion of the channel.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a reload for use with asurgical instrument. The reload includes first and second jaw membersthat are pivotably coupled to each other. The first jaw member includesa channel. An actuation member is located in the first jaw member and istranslatable between proximal and distal portions of the channel. Acartridge is removably coupled to the channel and operably associatedwith the actuation member. A finger is rotatably coupled to a topsurface of the cartridge, the finger rotatable between a first positionand a second position. A biasing member is operatively associated withthe finger. An arm is rotatably coupled to a bottom surface of thechannel and is rotatable between open and closed positions in responseto rotation of the finger between first and second positions. Theactuation member is translatable distally through the cartridge when thearm is in the open position and is inhibited from distal translationwhen the arm is in the closed position.

When the actuation member advances distally through the cartridge, theactuation member engages the finger and rotates the finger from thefirst position to the second position, thereby rotating the arm from theclosed position to the open position. The biasing member urges thefinger towards the first position such that the arm is urged towards theclosed position.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a reload for use with asurgical instrument. The reload includes first and second jaw membersthat are pivotably coupled to each other. The first jaw member includesa channel. An actuation member is located in the first jaw member and ismovable between proximal and distal portions of the channel. Thecartridge is removably coupled to the channel and operably associatedwith the actuation member. An arm is pivotably disposed in a slot of thechannel. A biasing member is operatively coupled to the arm and urgesthe arm out of alignment with a longitudinal axis of the channel to aposition blocking the channel. When the cartridge is positioned in thechannel, the arm is urged into longitudinal alignment with the channelsuch that the actuation member is free to move through the cartridge.Moreover, when the cartridge is removed from the channel, the arm isurged out of longitudinal alignment with the channel such that theactuation member is blocked from movement through the channel.

A bottom surface of the cartridge may include a protrusion that isengageable with the arm such that distal translation of the actuationmember deforms the tab. The actuation member may be translatableproximally over the deformed tab and inhibited from distal translationover the deformed tab.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a reload for use with asurgical instrument. The reload includes first and second jaw membersthat are pivotably coupled to each other and define a slot. The firstjaw member includes a channel. A sled is disposed in the channel and istranslatable between proximal and distal portions of the channel. Anactuation member is located in the first jaw member and is movablethrough the slot between proximal and distal portions of the channel. Acartridge is removably coupled to the channel and includes a pluralityof pushers. The pusher may be a staple driving pusher. A lockoutmechanism includes a latch that is disposed in the cartridge. The latchis repositionable between a first position and a second position. Thelatch configured to block the slot in the second position. The latch mayhave a tapered surface that is engaged by the actuation member when theactuation member moves in the proximal direction.

The actuation member free to move between the proximal and distalportions when the latch is in the first position. The actuation memberis blocked from movement when the actuation plate is in the secondposition. A biasing member urges the latch towards the second position.And, a plate holds the latch in the first position.

Engagement of the plate and a pusher maintains the plate in a firstposition holding the latch in the first position. The plate may have asecond position that allows the latch to move to the second position tomaintain the actuation member at the proximal portion of the channel.The actuation member may move in a distal direction to actuate thesurgical instrument and the actuation member may move in a proximaldirection after actuating the instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelowwith references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered surgical stapling apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manual surgical stapling apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a reload of FIGS. 1 and 2 including adrive lockout mechanism according to an embodiment of the instantdisclosure;

FIG. 3B is an exploded, perspective view of the reload of FIG. 3A withthe parts separated;

FIG. 4A is a partial, perspective view of a removable cartridgeincluding a spring clip shown in an extended configuration;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the cartridgewith the spring clip of FIG. 4A removed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spring clip of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an anvil uncoupled to a correspondingjaw member to illustrate a recess configured to receive the spring cliptherein;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pivot beam that is configured toreleasably engage the spring clip;

FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view of the anvil and cartridge with atop portion of the anvil being removed to illustrate a knife in apre-fired configuration and the spring clip and pivot beam in an engagedconfiguration;

FIG. 9 is a cut-away view taken along line-segment 9-9 in FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10-12 are perspective views illustrating a firing sequence of theknife through the cartridge and anvil;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reload including a drive lockoutmechanism according to an alternate embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the reload and a cartridge depicted inFIG. 13 uncoupled from one another;

FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of the reload with the partsseparated and removed;

FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of the cartridge assembly withparts separated;

FIG. 17 is an exploded, bottom view of a sled of the cartridge withparts separated;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the sled of FIG. 17 in an assembledconfiguration;

FIG. 19 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the sled with partsseparated;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the sled of FIG. 19 in anassembled configuration;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 15 illustrating a latch;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the latch depicted in FIG. 21 showninverted;

FIG. 23 is perspective view of the reload with parts removed;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a partial, perspective view of the reload with parts removedillustrating a pivot assembly;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line portion 26 in FIG.25;

FIG. 27 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe cartridge being installed to a corresponding jaw member;

FIG. 28 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe cartridge fully installed to the corresponding jaw member;

FIG. 29 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe cartridge being approximated towards;

FIG. 30 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe anvil and cartridge being in a fully approximated configuration;

FIG. 31 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratinga firing motion of a knife of the reload;

FIG. 32 is a partial, cross-sectional view of cartridge illustrating theknife being retracted back to a pre-fired configuration;

FIG. 33 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe anvil and cartridge in an open configuration and the knife in theretracted configuration;

FIG. 34 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe knife in the retracted configuration and the latch in position forremoval of the reload from a trocar;

FIG. 35 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe knife in the retracted configuration and the latch in a locked outconfiguration;

FIG. 36 is perspective view of a reload with parts removed and includinga drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is an exploded, perspective view of the reload depicted in FIG.36;

FIG. 39 is an exploded, perspective view of a cartridge assembly withparts separated;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 38 illustrating a latch;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the latch depicted in FIG. 21 showninverted;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the reload with parts removedillustrating a pivot assembly;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the reload with parts removed includinga portion of the pivot assembly to illustrate a distal end of a knifeassembly;

FIG. 44 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the reload with thecartridge not installed on a corresponding jaw member;

FIG. 45 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge installed ona corresponding jaw member;

FIG. 46 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratinga knife being translated therethrough;

FIG. 47 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratinga knife in a retracted configuration and locked out;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a reload with parts removed andincluding a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a partial, cut-away view of a cartridge shown in a pre-firedconfiguration;

FIG. 51 is an exploded, perspective view of the cartridge with partsremoved;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an actuator of the cartridge depictedin FIGS. 50 and 51;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the actuator depicted in FIG. 52 showninverted;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a rotating interlock of the cartridge;

FIG. 55 is a top elevational view of the cartridge;

FIG. 56 is a cut-away view taken along line section 56-56 shown in FIG.55;

FIG. 57 is a partial, perspective view of the cartridge with partsremoved illustrating a knife during a firing sequence;

FIG. 58 is a cut-away view taken along line section 58-58 shown in FIG.57;

FIG. 59 is a partial, perspective view of the cartridge with partsremoved illustrating the knife in a locked-out configuration;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a reload with parts removed andincluding a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 61 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 is an exploded, perspective view of the cartridge assembly ofFIG. 60 with parts separated;

FIG. 63 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 is a partial, perspective view of a proximal end of thecartridge;

FIG. 65 is an exploded, perspective view of the cartridge assembly withparts separated;

FIG. 66 is an exploded, perspective view of a jaw member of the reloadwith parts separated;

FIG. 67 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 65 illustrating anactuator of the cartridge;

FIG. 68 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 66 illustrating a lockingassembly with parts separated;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view illustrating a spring clip and lockinglever of the locking assembly coupled to one another;

FIGS. 70A-70C are perspective views illustrating the locking lever andspring clip in various configurations;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of the cartridge shown with a portion of acover removed;

FIG. 72 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a partial, cut-away view of the cartridge illustrating theknife, actuator and locking assembly shown in a pre-fired configuration;

FIG. 74 is a partial, top elevational view of the cartridge of FIG. 73;

FIG. 75 is a partial, cut-away view of the cartridge illustrating afiring sequence of the knife with the actuator and locking assemblyshown in a locked out configuration;

FIG. 76 is a partial, top elevational view of the cartridge of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a reload with parts removed andincluding a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 78 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 77;

FIG. 79 is a top elevational view of a cartridge coupled to a jaw memberof FIG. 77;

FIG. 80 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is an exploded, perspective view the jaw member with partsseparated;

FIG. 82 is a right perspective view of a locking lever;

FIG. 83 is a left perspective view of the locking lever depicted in FIG.82;

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of an actuator;

FIG. 85 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 81;

FIG. 86 is a partial, cross sectional view of a distal end of thereload;

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of the jaw member and cartridge uncoupledfrom one another;

FIG. 88 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is a partial, top elevational view of the cartridge with partsremoved in a pre-fired configuration;

FIG. 90 is a partial, perspective view of the cartridge with partsremoved in the pre-fired configuration;

FIG. 91 is a partial, top elevational view of the cartridge with partsremoved in a post-fired configuration;

FIG. 92 is a partial, perspective view of the cartridge with partsremoved in the post-fired configuration;

FIG. 93 is a perspective view of a reload with parts removed andincluding a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 94 is a partial, cross-sectional view taken along line section94-94 shown in FIG. 93;

FIG. 95 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 94;

FIG. 96 is an exploded, perspective view of the reload with partsremoved and separated;

FIG. 97 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 96;

FIG. 98 is a partial, cross-sectional view of jaw members of the reloadwith the cartridge installed;

FIG. 99 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 98;

FIG. 100 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the jaw members in anapproximated and pre-fired configuration;

FIG. 101 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the jaw members in anapproximated configuration and illustrating a knife being translatedtherethrough;

FIG. 102 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the jaw members in anapproximated and post-fired configuration with the knife in a retractedconfiguration;

FIG. 103 is a partial, cross-sectional view of reload including a drivelockout mechanism according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 104 is an exploded view of a pawl of an anvil with parts separated;

FIG. 105 is a perspective view of a reload with parts removed andincluding a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 106 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 105;

FIG. 107 is a perspective view of a jaw member depicted in FIG. 105;

FIG. 108 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 107;

FIG. 109 is a proximal end of the jaw member depicted in FIG. 107 withparts separated;

FIG. 110 is an exploded view of a lock out assembly associated with thereload depicted in FIG. 105 with parts separated;

FIG. 111 is a partial, top cross sectional view of a jaw member with thelocking member in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 112 is a partial, top cross sectional view of a jaw member with thelocking member in a locked configuration;

FIG. 113 is a cut-away view taken along line section 113-113 shown inFIG. 112;

FIG. 114 is a partial, front perspective view of a proximal end of acartridge configured for use with the reload depicted in FIG. 105;

FIG. 115 is a partial, back perspective view of proximal end of thecartridge depicted in FIG. 114;

FIG. 116 is an exploded view of the cartridge with parts separated;

FIG. 117 is a cut-away view taken along line section 117-117 shown inFIG. 115;

FIG. 118 is a perspective view of an actuation sled associated with thecartridge having an actuator coupled thereto;

FIG. 119 is a side, perspective view of the actuator;

FIG. 120 is a front, perspective view of the actuation sled;

FIG. 121 is a cut-away view taken along line section 121-121 shown inFIG. 118;

FIG. 122 is a top elevational view of the cartridge and jaw membercoupled to one another;

FIG. 123 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 122;

FIG. 124 is a partial, top cross-sectional view of the cartridge and jawmember coupled to one another with a knife in a pre-fired configuration;

FIG. 125 is a partial, top cross-sectional view of the cartridge and jawmember coupled to one another with the knife in a post-firedconfiguration;

FIG. 126 is a partial, top elevation view of the cartridge and jawmember coupled to one another with the locking assembly in a locked outconfiguration;

FIG. 127 is a cut-away view taken along line section 127-127 shown inFIG. 126;

FIG. 128 is a schematic, elevation view of a knife assembly of a reloadincluding a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 129 is a schematic, elevation view of a knife assembly of a reloadin an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 130 is a top, cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustratingthe knife in a locked configuration;

FIG. 131 is a schematic, elevation view of the knife assembly uncoupledfrom a locking lever;

FIG. 132 is a perspective view of the locking lever;

FIG. 133 is a perspective view of the knife assembly;

FIGS. 134-135 are top, cross-sectional views of a jaw member andcartridge of a reload including a drive lockout mechanism according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure with a locking lever inunlocked and locked configurations;

FIG. 136 is a schematic, plan view of the knife assembly in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 137 is a perspective view of the knife assembly;

FIG. 138 is a schematic view of a jaw member and knife of a reloadincluding a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure with a locking lever in a locked configuration;

FIGS. 139-140 are schematic views of the jaw member having a cartridgeinstalled and with the locking lever in an unlocked and lockedconfiguration, respectively;

FIG. 141 is a partial, perspective view of a reload with parts removedand including a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 142 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 141;

FIG. 143 is an exploded view with parts separated of a jaw member of thereload;

FIG. 144 is a perspective view of a cam block and lockout structure;

FIG. 145 is another perspective view of a cam block and lockoutstructure associated with the jaw member;

FIG. 146 is a partial, perspective view of the reload with parts removedillustrating the cam block and lockout structure without a cartridgeinstalled;

FIG. 147 is a partial, perspective view of the reload with parts removedillustrating the cam block and lockout structure with a cartridgeinstalled;

FIG. 148 is partial perspective with of the releasable reload with partsremoved and with the cartridge installed;

FIG. 149 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 148;

FIG. 150 is a partial, perspective view of a reload with parts removedand including a drive lockout mechanism according to another embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 151 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 150;

FIG. 152 is a perspective view of a cartridge configured for use withthe reload depicted in FIG. 150;

FIG. 153 is an enlarged area of detail of FIG. 152;

FIG. 154 is a partial, perspective view of the cartridge illustrating aknife just after firing thereof;

FIG. 155 is a partial, perspective view of the cartridge illustratingwith the knife being moved to a retracted configuration;

FIG. 156 is a partial, perspective view of the cartridge illustratingwith the knife in the retracted configuration;

FIG. 157 is a partial, perspective view looking into a cartridgeassembly configured for use with a reload including a drive lockoutmechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in apre-fired configuration; and

FIG. 158 is a is a partial, perspective view looking into a cartridgeassembly configured for use with a reload including a drive lockoutmechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in apost-fired configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein;however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of thedisclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailedstructure.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, various drive lockoutmechanisms are disclosed herein and are configured for use with reloadsthat are adapted to couple to one or more types of surgical staplingapparatuses. The various drive lockout mechanisms are configured toprevent misfiring of a knife without a cartridge installed, or firingwith a spent cartridge installed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a powered surgical stapling apparatus shown generallyas 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a manual surgical stapling apparatus showngenerally as 200. The powered apparatus includes one or more motors andan internal or external power source, whereas the manual apparatus has amovable handle 136 and a mechanism for driving the functions of theapparatus. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,865,361; 5,782,396; International WO04/032,760; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0276741; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/444,228, the entire contents of each of thesedisclosures is hereby incorporated by reference.

Briefly, the surgical stapling apparatus 100, 200 includes a housing 102a retractor 116, a firing mechanism 116 (FIG. 2), an elongated member104 extending from housing 102, and a reload 106 that is releasablycoupled to a distal end of elongated member 104. Reload 106 includes aproximal shaft portion 109 having a distal end which a tool assemblyincluding first and second jaw members 108, 110. First jaw member 108 isconfigured to support a cartridge 112 which includes a plurality offasteners 117 a and a corresponding plurality of pusher members 117 bthat are engaged with fasteners 117 a (see FIG. 3B). Cartridge 112includes one or more retention slots 119 that extend longitudinallyalong a tissue contacting surface 121 of a cartridge housing 123 and areconfigured to house fasteners 117 a (FIG. 3B). Cartridge housing 123(FIG. 3B) is configured to releasably couple to first jaw member 108 viaone or more suitable coupling methods. A removable and replaceablecartridge assembly is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/280,880 entitled Multi-Use Loading Unit, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In any of theembodiments disclosed herein, a removable and replaceable cartridgeassembly may be coupled to a jaw using detents, latches, clips and thelike. Second jaw member 110 is provided with an anvil 111 (as best seenin FIG. 3B) which defines a plurality of buckets or depressions 107 (seeFIG. 3A) that are configured to receive corresponding fasteners 117 awhen fasteners 117 a are ejected from cartridge 112.

FIG. 3B illustrates components that are housed within shaft 109. A drivemember includes a drive beam 103 having a working end 101 which supportsa knife 105. Working end 101 includes an I-beam configuration having topand bottom flanges 118 a, 118 b and includes a distal abutment surface118 c which engages a central support wedge 113 of actuation sled 115(see FIG. 3B). Working end 101 is configured to move through a knifechannel 114 (FIG. 3B) defined in cartridge 112 from a retracted positionto an advanced position for severing stapled tissue positioned betweenthe jaw 108, 110. Knife blade 105 travels slightly behind actuation sled115 during a stapling procedure such that an incision is formed intissue after the tissue has been stapled.

A pivot assembly 150 (FIG. 3A) is provided at a distal end of shaft 109and couples first and second jaw members 108, 110 to shaft 109. Pivotassembly 150 includes lower and top portions 151 b, 151 a that areoperably coupled to one another and the tool assembly to facilitatearticulation of the tool assembly about an axis transverse to alongitudinal axis of shaft 104 (FIG. 3B).

For a more detailed discussion of the construction and operation ofreload 106, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,865,361 and7,225,963, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, reload 106 includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure.Specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, cartridge housing 123includes one or more recesses 125 (FIG. 4B) of suitable configurationthat are configured to receive and/or operably house one or moreresilient members 126 (see FIG. 5). A single recess 125 which opens ontoa top surface of the cartridge 112 is shown in the illustratedembodiment. Recess 125 is configured to allow flexure of legs 128 a, 128b of the resilient member 126 within the confines of recess 125.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 5, resilient member(s) 126 may beformed from any suitable resilient material including but not limited toplastic, rubber, metal, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, resilientmember is made from a relatively soft plastic and formed into aspring-clip 127. Spring-clip 127 is movable from an extended position(FIG. 4a ) to a retracted position (FIG. 10) and includes a generallyarcuate configuration and is defined by opposing legs 128 a, 128 b thatform a generally “U” configuration; this “U” configuration facilitatespositioning spring-clip 127 within recess 125. In accordance with theinstant disclosure, prior to use of cartridge 112, spring-clip 127extends a predetermined distance above tissue contacting surface 121. Tothis end, one or both of legs 128 a, 128 b may include one or moreflanges 129 (FIGS. 4A and 5) that are configured to releasably engage asurface 121 of cartridge 112 adjacent proximal end of the tissuecontacting surface of cartridge 112 (FIG. 4A). In the illustratedembodiment, each of legs 128 a, 128 b includes a single flange 129.Moreover, one or both of legs 128 a, 128 b may have beveled or angledends 131 a, 131 b positioned for engagement with top flange 118 a of theknife 105 when knife 105 is advanced from a retracted position towardsan advanced position. In the illustrated embodiment, each of sidewalls128 a, 128 b includes angled surfaces 131 a, 131 b that culminate attips 133 a, 133 b. Resilient member(s) 126 are configured for insertionthrough a corresponding recess 130 disposed on anvil 111 (FIGS. 6 and10). Recess 130 on anvil 111 is in vertical registration with recess 125of cartridge 112 to facilitate insertion of resilient member 126 withinrecess 130.

Referring now to FIG. 6, anvil 111 is illustrated uncoupled from jawmember 110 to illustrate recess 130. Recess 130 is of suitableconfiguration to receive spring-clip 126 therein. Specifically, angledend surfaces 131 a, 131 b are configured for positioning within recess130 when a newly inserted (e.g., a pre-fired) cartridge 112 is coupledto jaw member 108 and jaw members 108, 110 are approximated, see FIG. 9for example. In the extended configuration, spring clip 127 preventsmovement of the locking member 132 (FIG. 7) within an internal cavity134 (see FIG. 9 for example) of jaw member 110 to a blocking position aswill be described in further detail below.

With reference to FIG. 7, locking member 132 has a generally elongatedconfiguration and includes a distal end 124 that is operably coupled toa side wall 138 of anvil 111 to facilitate movement of the lockingmember 132 upwardly and transversely from an outer surface of anvil 111towards the center of anvil 111 to a position to obstruct movement ofthe working end 101 of drive member (FIG. 8). A cam surface 137 isdisposed at a proximal end 140 of locking member 132 and is configuredto engage top flange 118 a disposed on a top portion 144 of knife 105(FIGS. 8 and 11-12). Engagement between cam surface 137 and top flange118 a prevents knife 105 from moving distally past locking member 132after the cartridge 112 has been fired as will be described in furtherdetail below. A sidewall 135 of locking member 132 is configured tocontact a top portion 144 of knife 105 as knife 105 is moved from theadvanced configuration to the retracted configuration (see FIG. 11 forexample) to move the locking member 132 from the locking position (FIG.12) to a non-blocking position to allow the knife to move from theretracted position.

In use, when cartridge 112 is not coupled to jaw member 108, lockingmember 132 is in the blocking position for engaging knife 105 (orcomponent associated therewith, e.g., top flange 118 a). That is, camsurface 13 7 is flush with the plane of translation of knife 105 suchthat an end of locking member 132 engages top flange 118 a to preventknife 105 from traveling distally past locking member 132 (see FIG. 12).Thus, the locking member 132 prevents firing of apparatus 100, 200 whena cartridge 112 has not been inserted into jaw 108.

When cartridge 112 is coupled to jaw member 108, locking member 132pivots upwardly as a result of contact with resilient member 126 (seeFIGS. 8-9). This contact allows working end 101 of the drive member totravel distally past the locking member 132 when knife 105 is fired(FIG. 10). Specifically, this contact raises the cam surface 137 off theplane of translation of working end 101 and above top flange 118 a,which, in turn, prevents engagement therebetween so as to allow knife105 to travel distally past locking member 132 when working end 101 isadvanced. Essentially, top flange 118 a slides beneath cam surface(s)137 as knife 105 is translated distally.

Contact between top flange 118 a and tips 133 a, 133 b and/or angledsurfaces 131 a, 131 b as the working end 101 is advanced causes flanges129 to disengage from tissue contacting surface 121 of cartridge 112,which, in turn, causes tips 133 a, 133 b and/or angled surfaces 131 a,131 b to fall beneath the translation plane of working end 101 (FIG.10). This allows locking member 132 to return to its initialconfiguration (FIG. 11) obstructing distal movement of the working end101.

As working end 101 is moved proximally back to its retractedconfiguration, top portion 144 contacts a sidewall 135 (FIG. 8) oflocking member 132 to pivot locking member 132 sideways towards sidewall138 of anvil 111. Once top portion 144 has been moved proximally pastcam surface(s) 137 of locking member 132, locking member 132 againreturns to its initial configuration. In its initial configuration, camsurface 137 is flush with the plane of translation of working end 101and positioned to engage top portion 144 of working end 101 (FIG. 12).

The unique configuration of locking member 132 and resilient member 126overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks that are, typically, associatedwith conventional surgical stapling apparatus. Specifically, the lockingmember 132 prevents firing of the stapling apparatus 100, 200 when acartridge 112 is not coupled to jaw 108 or when cartridge 112 hasalready been fired.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. For example, while the surgical stapling apparatuses 100,200 have been described herein as including one locking member 132 andone corresponding resilient member 126, it is within the purview of thepresent disclosure to utilize two or more locking members 132 andcorresponding resilient members 126.

Additionally, while surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 have beendescribed herein utilizing a reload 106 the drive lockout mechanismdescribed above can be supported on the tool assembly of any staplerhaving a replaceable cartridge.

In addition, reloads that include other types of locking mechanisms mayalso be utilized with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200. Thefollowing reloads are similar in concept and design to reload 106.Accordingly, only those features unique to the hereinafter describedembodiments of reloads are described in detail.

With reference to FIGS. 13-35, and initially with reference to FIGS.13-14, a reload 206 includes a locking mechanism according to anotherembodiment of the instant disclosure and is configured for use withsurgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

Reload 206 is generally as described above but the configuration of thelocking mechanism has changed as described below. Reload 206 includesshaft 209 that supports a tool assembly 207 including jaw members 208,210, respectively. Jaw member 208 is configured to releasably engage acartridge 212 and jaw member 210 is provided with an anvil 211. Jawmembers 208, 210 function in a manner as described above with respect tojaw members 108, 110.

A pivot assembly 250 is configured to function in a manner as describedabove with respect to pivot assembly 150 and includes top and lowerportions 251 a, 251 b (see FIG. 15 for example). Unlike lower portion151 b, however, lower portion 251 b is configured to operably support apair of latches 232 a, 232 b that are operable to lock a working end 101of a drive member in a retracted configuration. Specifically, lowerportion 251 b includes a pair of distally extending leg members 253 a,253 b (FIGS. 15 and 25). Leg members 253 a, 253 b are spaced-apart apredetermined distance from one another to receive knife 205 (FIG. 15)so as to allow working end 101 to move through a firing sequence ofsurgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200, as will be described in greaterdetail below.

A shelf 255 (FIGS. 24-25) of suitable configuration is provided on lowerportion 251 b and is positioned proximally with respect to latches 232a, 232 b. Shelf 255 extends across lower portion 251 b and is configuredto support finger portions 257 a, 257 b of latches 232 a, 232 b,respectively. A pair of spaced-apart holders 259 a, 259 b are providedon lower portion 251 b and are positioned adjacent shelf 255. Holders259 a, 259 b extend distally from lower portion 251 b such that a distalface of holders 259 a, 259 b aligns with a distal edge of shelf 255(FIG. 26). Holders 259 a, 259 b are configured to engage finger portions257 a, 257 b to maintain direct contact between finger portions 257 a,257 b and shelf 255. In embodiments, holders 259 a, 259 b may bereplaced with a single holder that extends along an entire length of theshelf 255.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 25, leg member 253 b includes agenerally flat medial portion 265 b (FIGS. 15 and 25) that defines acavity 261 b of suitable configuration defined therein that isconfigured to house a spring 267, e.g., a compression spring, (FIG. 26).Medial portion 265 b is angled in a direction towards a toe portion 269b of leg member 253 b. Toe portion 269 b extends distally from medialportion 265 b and includes a generally flat top surface 271 b (FIG. 25)that is elevated a predetermined distance above medial portion 265 b.Top portion 271 b is configured to contact an offset flange portion 273b (FIG. 24) of cartridge 212. A proximal face 272 b (FIG. 26) of toeportion 269 b is angled toward medial portion 265 b and a sidewall 274 bis angled in an outward direction (FIG. 25) away from top surface 271 b.A cavity 263 b of suitable configuration is defined in toe portion 269 band is configured to house an optional spring 270, e.g., a compressionspring, (FIG. 26). Spring 270 may be configured to bias cartridge 212 tothe open position.

A second toe portion 269 a extends distally from a medial portion (notexplicitly shown) of leg member 253 a and defines a cavity 263 a that isconfigured to house spring 270 (FIG. 25). Toe portion 269 a includes agenerally flat top surface 271 a (FIG. 25) that contacts a correspondingoffset flange portion 273 a (FIG. 24) of cartridge 212. The medialportion of leg member 253 a includes a cavity (not explicitly shown)that is configured to house a spring 270.

Referring to FIGS. 16-19, actuation sled 215 is similar to actuationsled 115 and includes a central support 213. Unlike actuation sled 115,however, actuation sled 215 includes a blocking member 217. Blockingmember 217 may be monolithically formed with actuation sled 215 orblocking member 217 may be a separate component that is coupled toactuation sled 215 via one or more suitable coupling methods, e.g.,press-fit, friction-fit, adhesive, etc. In the illustrated embodiment,actuation sled 215 and blocking member 217 are formed as separatecomponents via an injection molding process and, subsequently, coupledto one another via a press-fit. Blocking member 217 includes a generallycurvilinear base portion 219 that complements a corresponding recess 221provided on a bottom portion of actuation sled 215. A detent 223 isprovided on base portion 219 of actuation sled 215 and abuts a bottomsurface 225 of central wedge 213 when actuation sled 215 is in anassembled configuration (FIGS. 18 and 20). Blocking member 217 isconfigured to contact a pair of distal protuberances 234 a, 234 b (FIGS.21-22) of latches 232 a, 232 b when a loaded cartridge 212 is coupled tojaw member 208 (FIG. 30). In further embodiments, one or more latchesmay be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-22, latches 232 a, 232 b may be formed via anysuitable process and include proximal ends 236 a, 236 b and distal ends238 a, 238 b, respectively. Body portions 240 a, 240 b are provided atrespective proximal ends 236 a, 236 b and are configured to contactflange 218 b when knife 205 is in a retracted configuration (FIGS. 26-29and 33-34). This contact between flange 218 b and body portions 240 a,240 b maintains latches 232 a, 232 b in an unlatched configuration.

Lateral extensions 242 a, 242 b of latches 232 a, 232 b includegenerally arcuate shoulder portions 243 a, 243 b that extend fromproximal ends 236 a, 236 b and have respective arms 245 a, 245 b thatabut sidewalls 241 a, 241 b of body portions 240 a, 240 b. Distal endsof arms 245 a, 245 b are received within corresponding apertures 247 a,247 b (FIGS. 21-22) defined in lateral extensions 242 a, 242 b. Fingerportions 257 a, 257 b extend in a generally orthogonal direction fromshoulder portions 243 a, 243 b and proximally toward shelf 255 forengagement with corresponding holders 259 a, 259 b. Arms 245 a, 245 bare configured to engage springs 267 provided on leg members 253 a, 253b to bias latches 232 a, 232 b in a downwardly direction (FIG. 28).

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 21-22, extending distally from bodyportions 240 a, 240 b are elongated members 248 a, 248 b from whichtrailing surfaces 260 a, 260 b extend in a generally orthogonaldirection and culminate at protuberances 234 a, 234 b. Protuberances 234a, 234 b are configured to selectively engage a recess 254 that isprovided on an underside of jaw member 208, see FIG. 24 in combinationwith FIG. 31. Protuberances 234 a, 234 b and/or trailing surfaces 260 a,260 b are configured to engage flange 218 b of working end 201 of thedrive member when protuberances 234 a, 234 b are engaged with recess 254(FIG. 35). Extending distally from protuberances 234 a, 234 b are angledleading surfaces 249 a, 249 b that are configured to contact flange 218b of knife 205 when knife 205 is moved proximally back to the retractedconfiguration. Leading surfaces 249 a, 249 b allow flange 218 b to slidepast protuberances 234 a, 234 b to allow the working end 201 to be moveproximally back to the retracted configuration (FIG. 32).

Operation of surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 that utilize reload206 is described herein. Initially, jaw members 208, 210 may be in anopen configuration to load cartridge 212 onto jaw member 208 (FIGS. 14and 26-27). In the open configuration, working end 201 is in a fullyretracted configuration and flange 218 b contacts body portions 240 a,240 b. Moreover, arm portion 245 b is pressed against springs 267.

Thereafter, cartridge 212 may be inserted in jaw member 208. In theloaded configuration, blocking member 217 is positioned over recess 254and in contact with protuberances 234 a, 234 b so as not to allowprotuberances 234 a, 234 b to engage recess 254 prior to actuation sled215 and/or the drive member being fired (FIGS. 28-29).

Subsequently, reload 206 including jaw members 208, 210 may be insertedthrough a portal, e.g., a trocar (or other suitable device), andpositioned within a cavity of a patient adjacent tissue of interest.Tissue may be positioned between jaw members 208, 210 and jaw members208, 210 may be approximated towards one another to grasp tissue forstapling thereof.

When the working end 201 is advanced to staple and sever tissue, flange218 b translates distally and moves out of engagement with body portions240 a, 240 b. However, because blocking member 217 covers recess 254 andcontacts with protuberance 234 b, the working end 210 is free tocontinue to move distally and contact central cam wedge 213 of actuationsled 215, which, in turn, moves blocking member 217 out of contact withprotuberances 234 a, 234 b. Accordingly, protuberances 234 a, 234 b areallowed to engage recess 254 (FIG. 31) as a result of bias of spring267.

Subsequent to stapling and severing tissue, the working end 210 may bemoved proximally and returned to its fully retracted configuration.Specifically, flange 218 b of knife 205 contacts and slides past leadingsurfaces 249 a, 249 b so as to allow the working end 210 to be movedback to its fully retracted continuation (FIGS. 32-33). Flange 218 b ofknife 205 contacts body portions 240 a, 240 and protuberances 234 a, 234b are prevented from engaging recess 254. Accordingly, jaw members 208,210 may be approximated towards one another for removal through theportal without interference from protuberances 234 a, 234 b (FIG. 34).That is, because the protuberances 234 a, 234 b are prevented fromengaging recess 254, the likelihood of the protuberances 234 a, 234 bcontacting the portal is reduced, if not eliminated. Latches 232 a, 232b prevent forward movement of knife 205 until surgical staplingapparatuses 100, 200 are loaded with unused cartridge assembly.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, if flange 218 b should comeout of contact with body portions 240 a, 240 b, the biasing forceprovided springs 267 against arm portions 245 a, 245 b would causeprotuberances 234 a, 234 b and/or trailing surfaces 260 a, 260 b toengage recess 254 and extend a predetermined distance therethrough toengage flange 218 b and, thus, prevent knife 205 from traveling distallytherepast (FIG. 35).

With reference to FIGS. 36-47, a reload 306 includes a locking mechanismaccording to another embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 (FIGS. 1and 2).

With initial reference to FIGS. 37 and 42, a lower portion 351 b ofpivot assembly 350 includes two spaced-apart upright extensions 359 a,359 b that are provided adjacent a shelf 355 to form a holding area fora locking member 343. Specifically, extensions 359 a, 359 b arepositioned distally with respect to shelf 355 and extend a predetermineddistance above shelf 355 to engage locking member 343 to prevent lockingmember 343 from moving distally past extensions 359 a, 359 b. Extensions359 a, 359 b are spaced apart a predetermined distance from one anotherso as to allow a working end 301 to advance through a firing sequence ofthe surgical stapling apparatus 100, 200.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 42, a leg member 353 b extends fromextension 359 b and includes a generally flat top surface 365 b defininga cavity 361 b (see FIG. 45) that is configured to house an optionalspring 367, e.g., a compression spring. A claw portion 369 b extends ina generally upright orientation from top surface 365 b and is configuredto couple to a corresponding hinge member 344 b of latch 332 (FIGS. 42and 44) so as to allow hinge member 344 b to pivot thereabout tofacilitate sliding of locking member 343 along a notch 360 and/or adistal top surface 364 b of drive beam members 303 (FIG. 43). A distalface 372 b (FIG. 42) of leg member 353 b defines a cavity 363 b that isconfigured to house a spring 370, e.g., a compression spring, (FIGS.44-45). Spring 370 includes a predetermined spring constant and isconfigured to contact a lateral extension 345 b of latch 332 to biaslatch 332 in a generally upright configuration.

Extension 359 a is identical to extension 359 b and includes all theaforementioned components described with respect to extension 359 b.Accordingly, a detailed description of extension 359 a is not provided.

Referring now to FIGS. 40-41, latch 332 is illustrated. Unlike latch232, latch 332 is a single component having locking member 343 formed ata proximal end 341 and a bifurcated configuration including two (2)generally elongated members 342 a, 342 b extending distally therefrom.Members 342 a, 342 b are spaced apart a predetermined distance from oneanother to the working end 301 of the drive member to move therebetweenduring a firing sequence of surgical apparatuses 100, 200.

Hinge members 344 a, 344 b are provided at a medial portion ofrespective members 342 a, 342 b and include a generally arcuateconfiguration. Each of hinge members 344 a, 344 b extends apredetermined distance orthogonally from members 342 a, 342 b and curveoutward therefrom to pivotably engage corresponding claw portions 369 a,369 b to allow latch 332 to pivot as locking member 343 slides alongdrive beam members 303.

A pair of protuberances 334 a, 334 b are provided at a distal end oflatch 332 and are configured to contact blocking member 317 (FIG. 45)when cartridge 312 is coupled to jaw member 308. Specifically, whenprotuberances 334 a, 334 b contact blocking member 317, latch 332 pivotsabout hinge members 344 a, 344 b which raises locking member 343 apredetermined distance and out of engagement with notch 360, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

Lateral extensions 345 a, 345 b are positioned proximally with respectto protuberances 334 a, 334 b and, when coupled to pivot assembly 350,adjacent coil sprigs 370 for contact therewith to urge protuberances 344a, 344 b in a generally upward direction. Lateral extension 345 b isconfigured to maintain coil spring 370 within cavity 363 b as latch 332pivots (FIGS. 44-45). Likewise, lateral extension 345 a is configured tomaintain coil spring 370 within the corresponding cavity (not explicitlyshown) as latch 332 pivots.

FIG. 43 illustrates a distal end of drive beam members 303. Unlike drivebeam members 103, drive beam members 303 collectively define notch 360.Specifically, notch 360 is provided adjacent to where a distal end ofthe drive beam members 303 couple to knife 305, as best seen in FIG. 43.Notch 360 may be formed during manufacture of drive beam members 303 bysuitable methods including but not limited to etching, stamping,cutting, etc. Notch 360 includes a generally upright proximal wall 361that extends from a generally flat medial portion 362. Wall 361 extendsupwardly to meet with a proximal top surface 364 a of drive beam members303 and is configured to selectively engage locking bar 343 of a latch332 to lock-out knife 305 so as to prevent misfiring of knife 305, asdescribed in greater detail below. A ramp portion 363 extends distallyfrom medial portion 362 and is provided towards a distal end of notch360. Ramp portion 363 may extend at any suitable angle distally frommedial portion 362 and is configured to slidably engage locking bar 343when knife 305 is translated proximally and distally. Ramp portion 363extends distally to meet a distal top surface 364 b of drive beammembers 303. Distal top surface 364 b is configured to allow locking bar343 to slide thereon when knife 305 is moved to a retractedconfiguration.

Operation of surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 that utilize reload306 is described herein. Initially, jaw members 308, 310 may be in anopen configuration to load cartridge 312 onto jaw member 308 (FIG. 44).In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 36-47, whencartridge 312 is not coupled to jaw member 308 the working end 301 ofthe drive member is locked out. Specifically, coil springs 370 contactlateral extensions 345 a, 345 b (in FIG. 44, only coil spring 370 isillustrated contacting extension 345 b) to urge protuberances 343 a, 343b in the generally upwardly direction, and locking member 343 in thegenerally downwardly direction into notch 360 and into contact withproximal wall 361. This contact between proximal wall 361 and lockingmember 343 maintains the working end 301 in a locked-out configuration.

Thereafter, cartridge 312 may be loaded onto jaw member 308. In theloaded configuration, blocking member 317 is positioned to contact withprotuberances 334 a, 334 b. This contact between protuberances 334 a,334 b and blocking member 317 forces protuberances 334 a, 334 b in agenerally downwardly direction and causes latch 332 to pivot about pivotmember 344 a, 344 b, which, in turn, causes locking member 343 to pivotin a generally upwardly direction and out of contact with proximal wall361, see FIG. 45; with locking member 343 in this configuration, knife305 may be fired.

When working end 301 is advanced to staple and sever tissue, blockingmember 317 moves distally with actuation sled 315 and out of contactwith protuberances 334 a, 334 b (FIG. 46). Accordingly, protuberances334 a, 334 b as a result of bias of spring 370 are once again forced ina generally upwardly direction and locking member 343 in the generallydownwardly direction.

Subsequent to stapling and severing tissue, the working end 301 may bemoved proximally and returned to its fully retracted configuration. Asthe working end 301 is being moved proximally, locking member 343 slidesa predetermined distance along proximal top surface 364 a until suchtime locking member 343 is forced downwardly into notch 360 and intocontact with proximal wall 361. With locking member 343 engaged withnotch 360, knife 305 is locked out and prevented from misfiring.

With reference to FIGS. 48-59, a reload 406 includes a locking mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and is configuredfor use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 is illustrated.Loading unit 406 can generally be configured as described above.

Beginning with reference to FIGS. 48-51, reload 406 includes a cartridge412 that is similar to the previously described cartridge assemblies,e.g., cartridge 112. Unlike cartridge 112, however, one or more recessedplatform areas 427 a, 427 b are provided adjacent to a proximal end oftissue contacting surface 421 of cartridge 412, as best seen in FIG. 51.

An aperture 420 is defined through platform area 427 a and is configuredto receive a post 433 of an actuator 432 (FIG. 51). Aperture 420 isconfigured to allow rotation of post 433 and a head portion 434 ofactuator 432 when head portion 434 is contacted by a top flange 418 bdisposed on knife 405 (FIGS. 48-49). In a pre-fired configuration (e.g.,prior to top flange 418 b contacting head portion 434), head portion 434rests on platform area 427 a (FIG. 56). In a post-fired configuration(e.g., subsequent to top flange 418 b contacting head portion 434), headportion 434 is raised a predetermined distance above platform area 427 a(FIG. 58).

A pair of apertures 425 a, 425 b of suitable configuration are definedthrough a bottom interior wall 422 of cartridge housing 423 and areconfigured to receive a corresponding rivet 424 a, 424 b therein (FIG.51). Aperture 425 a is in vertical registration with aperture 420 toalign post 433 with an interlock 450 (see FIGS. 51 and 56).

With reference to FIGS. 52-53, actuator 432 is illustrated. Actuator 432is rotatable within aperture 420 from an initial configuration whereinhead portion 434 rests on platform 427 a and post 433 is engaged withinterlock 450 (FIG. 56) to a final configuration wherein head portion434 is raised above platform 427 a and post 433 is disengaged frominterlock 450 (FIG. 58). When post 433 is engaged with interlock 450,working end 401 is free to move distally (FIGS. 50 and 56). Conversely,when post 433 is disengaged from interlock 450, the working end 401 islocked out and unable to move distally (FIGS. 58 and 59).

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 52-53, post 433 extends from headportion 434 and includes a generally elongated, cylindricalconfiguration. A notch 436 is provided adjacent a bottom portion of post433 and is defined by a generally hemispherical top surface 437 that isdefined by a semi-circular peripheral edge and an interior linear edge439. Edge 439 meets a wall 447 of suitable configuration that extends ina generally orthogonal direction from top surface 437 to meet aninterior linear edge 443 that meets with a semi-circular peripheral edge445. Linear edge 443 and peripheral edge 445 define a generallyhemispherical bottom surface 449. A pair of beveled side edges 441 a,441 b are provided on wall 447 and extend between bottom and topsurfaces 449 and 437, respectively, to facilitate rotation of post 433about interlock 450.

Head portion 434 includes top and bottom surfaces 451 a, 451 b that arejoined by a sidewall 455 extending in a curvilinear manner around topand bottom surfaces 451 a, 451 b to form a generally cone-likeconfiguration (FIGS. 52-53). A tip 451 of head portion 434 is configuredto extend at least partially within a knife channel 414 when actuator432 and a working end 401 are in the pre-fired configuration, see FIG.55 for example. A protuberance 452 is provided on bottom surface 451 b(FIG. 53) and is configured to contact an interior edge 453 (FIG. 55)that extends into knife channel 414. Protuberance 452 may include anysuitable configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, for example,protuberance 452 includes a generally rounded configuration, e.g., adot-like configuration. The rounded configuration of protuberance 452facilitates raising head portion 434 above platform area 427 a whenprotuberance 452 contacts an interior edge 453 disposed adjacentplatform area 427 a (FIG. 56). In addition, interior edge 453 may bebeveled/slanted (FIGS. 56 and 58) or otherwise configured to facilitateraising head portion 434 above platform 427 a when protuberance contactsinterior edge 453.

A spring 470 (e.g., a coil spring or other suitable resilient member(FIGS. 50-51) is operably coupled to post 433 and is configured to biasactuator 432 in an upward direction as shown in FIG. 50. Specifically,spring 470 is configured to contact an interior wall 454 that liesbeneath tissue contacting surface 421 of cartridge 412 (FIGS. 56 and58). One or more suitable coupling methods and/or devices may beutilized to couple spring 470 to post 433. In the illustratedembodiment, for example, a lock washer 471 is utilized to couple spring470 to post 433 (FIG. 51). Lock washer 471 is also utilized to rotatablysecure post 433 of actuator 432 within aperture 420.

Referring to FIG. 54, interlock 450 is illustrated. Interlock 450 isrotatable within aperture 425 a from an initial configuration whereininterlock 450 is engaged with sidewall 447 of post 433 (FIG. 56) to afinal configuration wherein interlock 450 is disengaged from sidewall447 (FIG. 58) and engaged with rivet 424 b (FIG. 59). When interlock 450is engaged with sidewall 447, interlock 450 is positioned outside of atranslation path of the working end 401 and the working end 401 is freeto move distally (FIGS. 50 and 56). Conversely, when interlock 450 isdisengaged from sidewall 447, interlock 450 is positioned inside oftranslation path of the working end 401 and the working end 401 islocked out and unable to move distally (see FIGS. 58 and 59 forexample).

Continuing with reference to FIG. 54, interlock 450 includes a steppedconfiguration having a proximal end 426 and a distal end 428. Proximalend 426 includes a generally rectangular configuration having arelatively flat top surface 429 that is configured to receive bottomsurface 449 of post 433 thereon (FIG. 50). A bottom surface (notexplicitly shown) of interlock 450 is configured to slide along bottominterior wall 422 as interlock 450 rotates. A sidewall 431 c extendsfrom the bottom surface and meets top surface 429 forming an edge 431 d.Sidewall 431 c forms a first step and is configured to contact rivet 424b when interlock is in the post-fired configuration (FIG. 59). Agenerally rectangular upright extension 430 of suitable configuration isprovided on top surface 429 and includes interior sidewall portions 431a, 431 b that form second step. Sidewall portion 431 a extends in astraight manner a predetermined distance from a proximal edge of topsurface 429. Sidewall portion 431 b extends at an angle a predetermineddistance from a distal end of sidewall portion 431 a. In the pre-firedconfiguration, sidewall 447 of post 433 is flush with sidewall portion431 a (FIG. 50). As post 433 rotates during a firing sequence, thebeveled configuration of side edges 441 a, 441 b in conjunction with theangle at which sidewall portion 431 b extends facilitates the transitionof post 433 and interlock 450 from their pre-fired configuration totheir post-fired configuration.

A generally circumferential sidewall 460 (FIG. 54) is provided at distalend 428 and includes an aperture 435 of suitable configuration definedtherethrough. Aperture 435 is configured to receive rivet 424 a thereinfor coupling interlock 450 to cartridge housing 423. Rivet 424 a isconfigured to allow rotation of interlock 450 from the pre-firedconfiguration to the post-fired configuration (see FIGS. 50-51 and 59).

A spring 467, e.g., a torsion spring 467, having a suitable springcoefficient operably couples via one or more suitable coupling methodsand/or devices to the bottom surface of interlock 450. (FIG. 51). Spring467 is configured to bias interlock 450 towards the post-firedconfiguration, as best seen in FIG. 59. In the post-fired configuration,sidewall 431 c engages rivet 424 b to prevent rotation of interlock 450past a predetermined point and lockout the working end 401 (FIG. 59).

In use, actuator 432 is, initially, in the pre-fired configuration withtip 451 in the translation path of the working end 401 (FIGS. 50 and55-56). Thereafter, the working end 401 may be advanced and flange 418 acontacts head portion 434 of actuator 432, which, in turn, causes post433 to rotate and protuberance 452 to ride up along interior edge 453and onto platform 427 a. As post 433 rotates, sidewall 447 rotates aboutsidewall 431 a and begins to rise above extension 430 as a result of theupward bias of spring 470.

Once protuberance 452 is moved into position on platform 427 a, sidewall447 will be sufficiently raised so as to disengage sidewall 431 a (FIGS.57-79). As a result thereof, interlock 450 under the bias of spring 467is forced to rotate until such time that sidewall 431 c contacts rivet424 b (FIGS. 58-59).

The working end 401 may be moved back to its retracted, pre-firedconfiguration against the biasing force of spring 467. Specifically, atrailing surface (not explicitly shown, see trailing surface 118 d inFIG. 3B for example) of the working end 401 contacts sidewall 431 c soas to push interlock 450 proximally and out of engagement with rivet 424b until the working end 401 is moved therepast and to its retracted,pre-fired configuration. The trailing surface is desirably a cam surfaceor angled to facilitate this. Once the working end 401 is moved back toits retracted, pre-fired configuration, interlock 450 is once againforced forward by spring 467 and into contact with rivet 424 b (FIG.59). With interlock 450 in contact with rivet 424 b, the working end 401is locked out and prevented from distal translation.

With reference to FIGS. 60-76, a reload 506 includes a locking mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and is configuredfor use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 is illustrated.

With reference initially to FIGS. 60-61, reload 506 includes a lockoutassembly 530 that is configured to lock out a working end 501 to preventmisfiring thereof when a cartridge 512 is not coupled to jaw member 508or when a spent cartridge 512 is coupled to jaw member 508. An actuator532 is provided at a proximal end of cartridge 512 and is configured toselectively disengage lockout assembly 530 from a lock out configurationto allow advancement of the working end 501 of the drive member (FIGS.62-66). The reload can generally be configured as discussed above.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 62-65, an actuator 532 operablycouples to actuation sled 515 and is positioned between wedge members513 b, 513 c that are positioned to the right of a central support wedge513 a. Actuator 532 is translatable distally between wedge members 513a, 513 b from an initial configuration (see FIGS. 60, 62-64 and 73-74)to a final configuration (see FIGS. 75-76). Actuator 532 is maintainedin the initial configuration as a result of contact with a correspondingpusher 518 of plurality of double pushers 517 b that are configured toeject corresponding fasteners 517 a when contacted by wedge members 513b, 513 c (see FIG. 65 in combination with FIG. 73 for example). In theillustrated embodiment corresponding pusher 518 is positioned first inthe outer row of plurality of pushers 517 (see FIGS. 73 and 75 forexample). Alternatively, a single, dedicated pusher (not shown) may beutilized to engage actuator 532; this single dedicated pusher may beconfigured to push a corresponding fastener, or may function to simplymaintain actuator 532 in the initial configuration. Wedge member 513 cis configured to contact pusher 518 and move pusher 518 in an upwardlydirection to deploy corresponding one of the surgical fasteners 517 a.

A resilient member 567 (or other suitable device, e.g. a spring) isconfigured to contact a proximal end 532 a of actuator 532 to bias adistal end 532 b thereof against pusher 517 b (FIGS. 60, 63-65).Specifically, resilient member 567 is provided on a bottom portion orcover 561 of cartridge 512 (as best seen in FIG. 65). Spring 567includes a generally elongated configuration and extends distally in agenerally inwardly manner at an angle from cover 561 to bias actuator532 distally into contact with pusher 518. Resilient member 567 mayinclude any suitable spring constant or configuration or shape. Inaccordance with the instant disclosure, a suitable spring constant willbe sufficient so as allow resilient member 567 to bias actuator 532against pusher 518 and translate actuator 532 a predetermined distancepast pusher 518, as will be described in greater detail below.

Actuator 532 may be formed from any suitable material including but notlimited to metal, plastic, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, actuator532 is formed from metal, e.g., sheet metal, and includes a generallyelongated configuration having proximal and distal ends 532 a, 532 b,respectively (FIGS. 65 and 67).

Distal end 532 b includes a leading edge 533 that is configured toengage a corresponding trailing edge 518 a (FIGS. 65 and 75) of pusher518. In embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, leading edge533 includes a generally arcuate configuration (e.g., a groove) tofacilitate contact with trailing edge 518 a that includes acomplementary arcuate configuration (e.g., a tongue) of leading edge533. Alternatively, leading edge 533 and trailing edge 518 a may berelatively flat, or may have some other shape.

In the final configuration, e.g., a post-fired configuration, leadingedge 533 extends a predetermined distance past trailing edge 518 a. Thepredetermined distance that leading edge 533 may extend past trailingedge 518 a may range from about 0.050 inches to about 0.070 inches. Inother words, actuator 532 has been moved distally by resilient member567 away from locking lever 540.

A notch 535 is provided on actuator 532 and is defined by a back wallportion 535 a that extends orthogonally from a top surface 535 b (FIG.67). Notch 535 is configured to engage a blocking member 536 extendingdownwardly from a top interior wall provided within cartridge 512 (FIGS.73 and 75). Blocking member 536 is configured to contact back wallportion 535 a to limit distal translation of actuator 532 during afiring sequence such that leading edge 533 extends past trailing edge518 a within the above specified ranges. Moreover, blocking member 536and top surface 535 b may serve to guide actuator 532 as actuator 532 istranslated between wedge members 513 b, 513 c.

A generally elongated finger portion 531 of suitable configuration isprovided at proximal end 532 a and extends proximally therefrom to movelockout assembly 530 into a pre-fired configuration when cartridge 512is coupled to jaw member 508, see FIGS. 64 and 67. In the illustratedembodiment, a distal end 531 a of finger portion 531 extends inwardlyfrom proximal end 532 a to laterally offset the finger portion 531 fromproximal end 532 a. Alternatively, finger portion 531 may be provided onan interior sidewall 532 c (FIG. 67) of actuator 532. Finger portion 531is offset from proximal end 532 a to align and couple with lockoutassembly 530 when cartridge 512 is coupled to jaw member 508 (see FIGS.63-64).

With reference to FIGS. 60, 62-64, 66 and 68 lockout assembly 530 isillustrated. As noted above, lockout assembly 530 is configured to lockout the working end 501 to prevent misfiring thereof when cartridge 512is not coupled to jaw member 508 or when a spent cartridge 512 iscoupled to jaw member 508. With this purpose in mind, lockout assembly530 is operably positioned at a proximal end of jaw 508 and locateddistal of pivot assembly 550 (FIGS. 62-63). Lockout assembly 530includes three main components, a locking lever 540 (FIG. 68), amounting member 560 and a spring clip 570.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 68, locking lever 540 includes a baseportion 540 a of suitable configuration that is configured to seatwithin a recess 542 provided at a proximal end of jaw member 508, seeFIGS. 64 and 66 for example. A bottom surface of base portion 540 a isprovided with a generally circumferential protuberance (not explicitlyshown) that is configured to be received within a corresponding aperture544 a (as best seen in FIG. 66) that is provided within recess 542 anddefined through a bottom wall portion of jaw member 508. In an assembledconfiguration, the protuberance is configured to allow rotation oflocking lever 540 within recess 542 when locking lever 540 is contactedby finger portion 531, see FIGS. 62-64.

A generally arcuate cutout 540 b is provided on base portion 540 a andincludes a tip 540 c configured to contact a corresponding sidewall 542a that helps define recess 542 (see FIGS. 64 and 67). Moreover, a boss540 d of suitable configuration extends in a generally orthogonaldirection from base portion 540 a and is configured to contact fingerportion 531. Specifically, when cartridge 512 is coupled to jaw member508, finger portion 531 of actuator 532 contacts boss 540 d and rotateslocking lever 540 until boss 540 d contacts a trailing edge 564 ofmounting member 560 and tip 540 c contacts sidewall 542 a of recess 542(FIG. 64). Moreover, tip 540 c is configured to contact and slideagainst a bottom portion 503 a of drive beam members 503 (FIG. 73) afterfinger portion 531 of actuator 532 is disengaged from boss 540 d, aswill be described in more detail below.

A protrusion 540 e is provided on base portion 540 a and is supported bya post 540 f that extends from base portion 540 a (FIGS. 68-70).Protrusion 540 e includes a generally circumferential configuration andis configured to rotatably engage a corresponding opening 562 providedon mounting member 560 for securing locking lever 540 within recess 542.Post 540 f includes a generally oblong configuration and is configuredto be received between spaced-apart leg portions 571 a, 571 b of springclip 570 (as best seen in FIGS. 69-70A) so as to allow rotation thereofincluding locking lever 540 within aperture 544 a. Specifically, legportions 571 a, 571 b are configured to bias post 540 f and, thus,locking lever 540 into a locked out configuration. More specifically,when cartridge 512 is coupled to jaw member 508, finger portion 531contacts boss 540 d and urges boss 540 d proximally, which, in turn,partially rotates post 540 f into contact with and against the biasingforce provided by leg portions 571 a, 571 b (FIG. 70B). When fingerportion 531 moves out of contact with boss 540 d, tip 540 c is urgedinto contact with and slides against bottom portion 503 a of drive beammembers 503 until such time that the working end 501 is moved proximallypast tip 540 c and back to the retracted configuration. Once the workingend 501 is moved to the retracted configuration, tip 540 c of lockingmember 540 is moved back to the locked out configuration. The biasingforce provided by leg portions 571 a, 571 b on post 540 f prevents theworking end 501 from moving past tip portion 540 c. That is, the biasingforce provided by leg portions 571 a, 571 b on post 540 f is greaterthan the force utilized to fire and/or translate the working end 501distally and, therefore, leg portions 571 a, 571 b do not move apartfrom one another as a result of contact between the working end 501 andtip portion 540 c as the working end 501 is moved distally (FIG. 70a ).

Leg portions 571 a, 571 b meet at a generally arcuate proximal end 572of spring clip 570 (FIGS. 68-70). The arcuate configuration of proximalend 572 provides a suitable spring constant and is configured to allowleg portions 571 a, 571 b flex or move a predetermined distance awayfrom one another when post 540 f contacts leg portions 571 a, 571 b. Anaperture 576 of suitable configuration is provided adjacent proximal end572 and is configured to receive therethrough a corresponding protrusion563 that is provided on a bottom surface of mounting member 560 (FIG.68).

Mounting member 560 includes a generally elongated configuration havingopening 562 at a distal end thereof and protrusion 563 at a proximal endthereof to mount locking lever 540 to jaw member 508 (FIG. 68).Specifically, protrusion 540 e is positioned within aperture 562 andprotrusion 563 is positioned through aperture 576 and through anaperture 544 b provided within recess 542 adjacent aperture 544 a (seeFIG. 66).

In use, locking lever 540 is, initially, in a locked out configuration(FIGS. 62-63) with tip 540 c positioned across the knife channel 514 toprevent distal translation of the working end 501. Thereafter, cartridge512 may be coupled to jaw member 508. In doing so, finger portion 531contacts and pushes boss 540 d proximally to partially rotate lockinglever 540 within recess 542. Locking lever 540 rotates within recess 542until boss 540 d contacts trailing edge 564 and tip portion 540 ccontacts sidewall 542 c (FIGS. 73-74). At this time, post 540 f movesleg portions 571 a, 571 b away from one another and is biased by theforce provided therefrom (FIG. 70B). Concomitantly, spring 567 biasesactuator 532 distally against pusher 518 (see FIG. 63 in combinationwith FIG. 74).

With locking lever 540 and actuator 532 in the pre-fired configuration,the working end 501 including actuation sled 515 may be fired to stapleand, subsequently, sever the stapled tissue. When fired, the working end501 including sled 515 are moved distally and wedge 513 c contactspusher 518 so as to allow actuator 532 to move a predetermined distancedistally in a manner as described hereinabove. Distal translation ofactuator 532 allows locking lever 540 to move back to the locked-outconfiguration (FIGS. 75-76). Specifically, when the working end 501 ismoved proximally past locking lever 540 to the retracted configuration,locking lever 540 against the bias of spring clip 570 is moved back tothe locked out configuration. Once in the retracted configuration, theworking end 501 is locked out from translating distally past tip portion540 c as a result of the biasing force provided on post 540 f by legportions 571 a, 571 b.

With reference to FIGS. 77-92, a reload 606 includes a locking mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and is configuredfor use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 is illustrated.

With reference initially to FIGS. 77-78, reload 606 includes a lockoutassembly 630 and an actuator 632 that collectively are configured tolock out the working end 601 to prevent misfiring thereof subsequent tocartridge 612 being coupled to jaw member 608. Actuator 632 is providedat a proximal end of cartridge 612 and is configured to selectivelyengage lockout assembly 630 that is provided at a proximal end of jawmember 508 (see FIGS. 78-81 for example).

A notch 603 a of suitable configuration is defined at a distal end ofdrive beam members 603 adjacent the working end 601 (FIG. 78). Notch 603a includes a proximal wall 603 b that is configured to contact at leasta portion of a locking lever 640 of lockout assembly 630 (see FIG. 92for example) when locking lever 640 is in the locked out configuration.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 78-81 and 85, actuator 632 operablycouples to cartridge 612 and is configured to selectively engage lockinglever 640. Actuator 632 includes a generally elongated configurationhaving proximal and distal ends 632 a, 632 b, respectively. Distal end632 b includes a protuberance 634 that projects inwardly and isconfigured to contact a cam feature 616 that is disposed on actuationsled 615 adjacent a top surface of a central cam wedge 613 (FIG. 85). Atab 636 of suitable configuration is provided on a bottom surface 634 cof actuator 632 and is configured to movably seat within a correspondingaperture 622 a having a complementary configuration provided at aproximal end of cartridge 612 (see FIG. 80 in combination with FIG. 85).Specifically, tab 636 is configured to move in a generally sideways orlateral direction when protuberance 634 is contacted by cam feature 616as actuation sled 615 is moved distally.

A support structure 638 is provided on bottom surface 632 c adjacentproximal end 632 a and includes a beam portion 638 a and post portion638 b (FIG. 84). Beam portion 638 a is configured to be received withina recess 642 that is provided at a proximal end of cartridge 612 (FIG.84). Beam portion 638 a includes a generally elongated configuration andincludes a detent 637 at a distal end thereof (FIG. 84). Detent 637 ispositioned proximally with respect to tab 636 and is received within acorresponding aperture 632 b that is provided at a proximal end ofcartridge 612 adjacent aperture 622 b (FIGS. 78 and 85). Detent 637 isconfigured to couple actuator 632 to cartridge 612 so as to allow tab636 to move within aperture 622 a in a manner as described above.Specifically, contact between cam member 616 and protuberance 634 causesactuator 632 to pivot about detent 637, which, in turn, causes tab 636to move sideways within aperture 622 a. Post portion 638 b extends in agenerally orthogonal direction from bottom surface 632 c and isconfigured to contact and rotate locking member 640 into an unlockedconfiguration when cartridge 612 is coupled to jaw member 608. Moreover,as actuator 632 pivots about detent 637, post portion 638 b moves out ofcontact with locking lever 640 and allows locking lever 640 to return tothe locked out configuration (FIGS. 87-88 and 91-92).

Lockout assembly 632 includes locking lever 640, a spring 670 and amounting member, e.g., a rivet 660, see FIG. 81 for example. Spring 670may be any suitable type of spring including coil, torsion, etc. In theillustrated embodiment, spring 670 is in the form of a torsion springand includes two leg members 671 a, 671 b that are wound and joined toone another to form a central aperture 670 a (FIG. 81) of suitableconfiguration. Central aperture 670 a is aligned with an aperture 641defined through locking member 640 and is configured to receive rivet660 therethrough to couple locking lever 640 to jaw member 608. Legportions 671 a, 671 b are configured to bias locking lever 640 in thelocked out configuration. Specifically, one or both of leg portions 671a, 671 b (e.g., leg portions 671 a) is configured to contact a pivotmember 643 that is provided on locking lever 640 to bias locking lever640 in the locked out configuration (see FIGS. 78, 88, 90 and 92). A topportion 660 b of rivet 660 is configured to couple spring 670 andlocking lever 640 to one another (FIG. 78).

With reference to FIGS. 82-83, locking lever 640 is illustrated. Lockinglever 640 includes a generally rectangular configuration having proximaland distal ends 640 a, 640 b, respectively. Pivot member 643 extends ina generally orthogonal direction from a top surface 640 c of lockingmember 640 and includes proximal and distal sidewalls 640 d, 640 e thatare joined by a medial sidewall portion 640 f Proximal sidewall 640 dincludes a generally arcuate configuration and is positioned adjacenttop portion 660 b of rivet 660 to facilitate rotation of locking lever640 about rivet 660. Distal sidewall 640 e is angled to facilitatecontact with post portion 638 b of actuator 632 when cartridge 612 isbeing coupled to jaw member 608.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 82-83, top surface 640 c extends apredetermined distance from a bottom surface (not explicitly shown) oflocking lever 640 so as to allow post portion 638 b of actuator 632 toslide along top surface 640 c and contact distal wall 640 e whencartridge 612 is being coupled to jaw member 608 (FIG. 78). Proximal end640 a includes a proximal wall 640 k having a relatively flatconfiguration and a rounded inside corner portion 640 g that isconfigured to slide along a lower portion of drive beam members 603 asthe working end 601 is translated distally and/or proximally (FIG. 90).Proximal wall 640 k is configured to selectively engage notch 603 a.Corner portion 640 g meets an inner sidewall 640 i having a proximal anddistal sidewall portions 640 j, 640 h, respectively. Proximal sidewallportion 640 j includes a relatively flat configuration and extendsdistally to meet distal sidewall portion 640 h which includes a bowed orconcave configuration. This bowed configuration of distal sidewallportion 640 h facilitates proximal translation of the working end 601past locking lever 640 as the working end 601 is moved back to theretracted configuration.

In use, locking lever 640 is, initially, biased inwardly to the lockedout configuration to prevent distal translation of the working end 601(FIG. 87). Specifically, proximal wall 640 k and inner sidewall 640 iare positioned adjacent the working end 601 and distal with respect tonotch 603 a so as to be able to engage notch 603 a if the working end601 is moved a predetermined distance distally (see FIGS. 91-92). Thatis, locking lever 640 is biased inwardly against the bottom portion ofdrive beam members 603 so that proximal wall 640 k and/or inner sidewall640 i can engage notch 603 a as the working end 601 is moved distally.

Thereafter, cartridge 612 may be coupled to jaw member 608. In doing so,post 638 b contacts distal sidewall 640 e and pushes pivot member 643proximally to partially rotate locking lever 640 out of the locked outconfiguration and away from notch 303 a (FIGS. 79-80 and 88).

With locking lever 640 in the pre-fired configuration, the working end601 including actuation sled 615 may be fired to staple and,subsequently, sever the stapled tissue. When fired, the working end 601including actuation sled 615 move a predetermined distance distally suchthat cam feature 616 contacts protuberance 634 so as to pivot actuator632 about detent 637, which, in turn, causes tab 636 to move inwardlywithin aperture 622 a (FIGS. 89-90). As a result of thereof, post 638 bslides across distal sidewall 640 e and moves out of contact therewith,which, in turn, causes locking lever 640 to pivot inwardly about rivet660 and against the bottom portion of drive beam members 603 into thelocked out configuration. In accordance with the instant disclosure, atthe time cam feature 616 contacts protuberance 634, notch 603 a will bepositioned distally of inner sidewall 640 i so as to allow completetranslation of the working end 601 through knife channel 614 (see FIG.90).

With locking lever 640 in the locked out configuration, the working end601 may be moved proximally back to the retracted configuration, whereinnotch 603 a is again positioned proximally with respect to locking lever640. Once in the retracted configuration, the working end 601 is lockedout from translating distally past locking lever 640 while the spentcartridge is attached to jaw member 608.

With reference to FIGS. 93-104, a reload 706 (for illustrative purposesbeing shown without a shaft coupled thereto) includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 isillustrated.

With reference initially to FIGS. 93-95, a jaw member 710 includes ananvil 711 and is coupled to a jaw member 708 configured to selectivelycouple to a cartridge 712. An actuation sled 715 is provided incartridge 712 and includes a central support wedge 713. When cartridge712 is coupled to jaw member 708, and jaw members 708, 710 are in anapproximated configuration, central support wedge 713 is configured tocontact a pawl 732 of a lock out assembly 730 that is operably coupledto jaw member 710 (see FIG. 100).

Referring to FIG. 96, jaw member 710 includes a proximal end 710 a thatis configured to cover a proximal end 711 a of anvil 710. In anassembled configuration, proximal end 710 a extends a predetermineddistance from proximal end 711 a of anvil so as to allow pawl 732 topivot through a knife channel 714 defined through anvil 711. Knifechannel 714 extends along a length of anvil 711 and is configured toreceive a top flange 718 a of knife 705 so as to allow proximal anddistal translation of the working end 701. Similarly, a bottom flange718 b of knife 705 is provided through a knife channel (not explicitlyshown) that extends through a bottom surface of jaw member 708 (seeknife channel 614 above for example).

With reference to FIG. 97, lock out assembly 730 is configured to lockout the working end 701 to prevent misfiring thereof prior to couplingcartridge 712 to jaw member 708, and subsequent to coupling cartridge712 and firing knife 708, i.e., when cartridge 712 is spent. Lock outassembly 730 includes a bracket 731 of suitable configuration thatoperably couples to an inner surface (not explicitly shown) of jawmember 710. In the illustrated embodiment, a pivot pin 733, rivet or thelike may be utilized to mount bracket 731 to the inner surface of jawmember 710. Alternatively, bracket may be coupled to the inner surfaceof jaw member 710 via welding (e.g., laser beam or electron beamwelding), ultrasonic welding, brazing, soldering or other suitabledevice or method. Bracket 731 includes a bifurcated configuration havinga closed proximal end 731 a and an open distal end 731 b that is definedby two elongated fingers 734 a, 734 b that are spaced apart apredetermined distance from one another. Specifically, fingers 734 a,734 b are spaced apart from one another a distance that allows pawl 732to pivot unobstructed between fingers 734 a, 734 b. In embodiments,distal end 731 b may be closed.

With continued reference to FIG. 97, pivot pin 733 extends through apair of apertures 736 that are defined through fingers 734 a, 734, andis coupled to the inner surface of jaw member 710 via one or moresuitable coupling methods, e.g., laser beam or electron beam welding.Pivot pin 733 is also positioned through an aperture 738 of suitableconfiguration that is defined through pawl 732. Pivot pin 733 isoperable to allow pawl 732 to pivot thereabout when pawl 732 iscontacted by central wedge 713. Pivot pin 733 is positioned distallywith respect to resilient member 760 that is provided on bracket 731.

Resilient member 760 may be any suitable resilient member. In theillustrated embodiment, for example, resilient member 760 is formed froma relatively resilient strip of plastic material that has been bent toform a generally “U” shape (FIG. 97). Resilient member 760 is operableto pivot pawl 732 about pivot pin 733. Accordingly, resilient member 760includes a base portion 761 that couples via one or more suitablecoupling methods, e.g., laser beam or electron beam welding, to a bottomsurface 731 c that extends from proximal end 731 a and along fingers 734a, 734 b. Base portion 761 meets an arcuate medial portion 762 thatserves as a living hinge that meets a flexure portion 763 that couplesto pawl 732. Flexure portion 763 provides an upwards biasing force thaturges pawl 732 through knife channel 714 when cartridge 712 is notcoupled to jaw member 708 (see FIGS. 94-95) and after the working end701 has been fired (FIGS. 100-101) and moved back to the retractedconfiguration (see FIG. 102). Moreover, flexure portion 763 flexes aboutmedial portion 762 when pawl 732 is contacted by central wedge 713(FIGS. 100-101). Coupling base portion 761 along the bottom surface 731c prevents base portion 761 from moving as pawl 732 pivots about pivotpin 733 and flexure portion 763 flexes about medial portion 762.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 97, pawl 732 may be formed from anysuitable material including but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic,etc. In the illustrated embodiment, pawl 732 is formed from metal. Pawl732 includes a generally elongated configuration having proximal anddistal portions 732 a, 732 b with a generally arcuate recess 732 ctherebetween. Proximal portion 732 a includes a generally rectangularconfiguration and distal portion 732 b extends distally from arcuaterecess 732 c so as to form a distal tip 732 d. A bottom surface 732 e ofpawl 732 is configured to contact central wedge 713 when cartridge 712is coupled to jaw member 708.

In use, pawl 732 is, initially, biased upwardly via flexure portion 762to the locked out configuration to prevent distal translation of theworking end 701 (FIGS. 94-95). Thereafter, cartridge 712 may be coupledto jaw member 708. In doing so, central wedge 713 contacts bottomsurface 732 e of pawl 732 which causes pawl 732 to pivot about pivot pin733, which, in turn, causes distal tip 732 d, against the biasing forceof flexure portion 762, to move from within knife channel 714 (FIGS.98-100).

With pawl 732 in the pre-fired configuration, the working end 701including actuation sled 715 may be fired to staple and, subsequently,sever the stapled tissue. When fired, the working end 701 includingactuation sled 715 move distally and, thus, central wedge 713 moves outof contact with bottom surface 732 e (FIGS. 89-90). As a result ofthereof, pawl 732 is biased upwardly via flexure portion 762 to the lockout configuration.

With pawl 732 in the locked out configuration, the working end 701 maybe moved proximally back to the retracted configuration. As the workingend 701 is being moved proximally to the retracted configuration, topflange 718 a contacts distal end 732 b then distal tip 732 d, which, inturn, causes pawl 732 to pivot downwardly about pivot pin 733. Once inthe retracted configuration, the working end 701 is locked out fromtranslating distally past pawl 732 while the spent cartridge is stillattached to jaw member 708 (see FIG. 102).

With reference to FIGS. 103-104, a pawl 770 and resilient member 780 maybe utilized instead of pawl 732 and resilient member 760. In thisembodiment, pivot pin 733 is not utilized. Rather, a generallyhemispherical protrusion 771 may extend from either side or both sidesof pawl 770. For illustrative purposes, one protrusion 771 is shownextending from a left sidewall 770 a of pawl 770.

A relatively flat bottom surface 771 a is provided on protrusion 771 andis coupled to a top surface 781 a of resilient member 780, e.g., a leafspring, adjacent a proximal portion 781 b thereof. Top surface 781 a ata distal portion 781 c of resilient member 780 is coupled to an innertop surface of jaw member 710 and a medial portion 781 d is configuredto flex when central wedge 713 contacts pawl 770. Pawl 770 isfunctionally the same as pawl 732; therefore, a detailed description ofoperation of pawl 770 is not described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 105-127, a reload 806 includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 isillustrated.

With reference initially to FIGS. 105-113, reload 806 includes a lockoutassembly 830 which is similar to lockout assembly 530. Specifically,lockout assembly 830 is operably positioned at a proximal end of jawmember 808 and located distal of the pivot assembly (FIGS. 105-108);only a portion of the pivot assembly coupled to jaw member 808 isillustrated in the Figs. As with lockout assembly 530, lockout assembly830 is configured to lock out knife 808 (FIG. 106) when a cartridge 812is not coupled to jaw member 808 or when a spent cartridge 812 iscoupled to jaw member 808. To this end, lockout assembly 830 includesthree main components, a locking lever 840, a mounting member 860 and aspring clip 870 (FIGS. 109-110).

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 109-110, locking lever 840 includes abase portion 840 a of suitable configuration that is configured to seatwithin a recess 842 provided at a proximal end of jaw member 808. Abottom surface of base portion 840 a is provided with a generallycircumferential protuberance 840 f that is configured to be receivedwithin a corresponding aperture 844 a that is provided within recess 842and defined through a bottom wall portion of jaw member 808. In anassembled configuration, protuberance 840 f is configured to allowrotation of locking lever 840 within recess 842; in this embodiment,however, rotation is a result of contact with an inwardly extendingdetent 831 that is provided on an actuator 832 (see FIG. 119).

A generally arcuate cutout 840 b is provided on base portion 840 a andincludes a tip 840 c configured to contact a corresponding sidewall 842a that helps define recess 842 (see FIG. 109). Unlike locking lever 540,however, which includes a boss 540 d, a latch 840 d (FIGS. 109-110) ofsuitable configuration is provided on a protrusion 840 e (which extendsfrom base portion 840 a) and is configured to contact detent 831.Specifically, when cartridge 812 is coupled to jaw member 808, detent831 of actuator 832 contacts latch 840 d and rotates locking lever 840until latch 840 d contacts a trailing edge 864 of mounting member 860and tip 840 c contacts sidewall 842 a of recess 842 (see FIGS. 123-125).

Protrusion 840 e is provided on base portion 840 a and is supported by apost 840 f that extends from base portion 840 a (FIGS. 109-112).Protrusion 840 e includes a generally circumferential configuration andis configured to rotatably engage a corresponding opening 862 providedon mounting member 860 for securing locking lever 840 within recess 842.Post 840 f includes a generally oblong configuration and is configuredto be received between spaced-apart leg portions 871 a, 871 b of springclip 870 (as best seen in FIGS. 111-112) so as to allow rotation thereofincluding locking lever 840 within aperture 844 a. Specifically, legportions 871 a, 871 b are configured to bias post 840 f and, thus,locking lever 840 into a locked out configuration. More specifically,when cartridge 812 is coupled to jaw member 808, detent 831 contactslatch 840 d and urges latch 840 d proximally, which, in turn, partiallyrotates post 840 f into contact with and against the biasing forceprovided by leg portions 871 a, 871 b (FIG. 111). In the locked outconfiguration, the biasing force provided by leg portions 871 a, 871 bon post 840 f prevents the working end 801 from moving past tip portion840 c. That is, the biasing force provided by leg portions 871 a, 871 bon post 840 f is greater than the force utilized to fire and/ortranslate the working end 801 distally and, therefore, leg portions 871a, 871 b do not move apart from one another as a result of contactbetween the working end 801 and tip portion 840 c as the working end 801is moved distally.

Leg portions 871 a, 871 b meet at a generally arcuate proximal end 872of spring clip 870 (FIG. 109-112). The arcuate configuration of proximalend 872 provides a suitable spring constant and is configured to allowleg portions 871 a, 871 b flex or move a predetermined distance awayfrom one another when post 840 f contacts leg portions 871 a, 871 b. Anaperture 876 (FIGS. 109-110) of suitable configuration is providedadjacent proximal end 872 and is configured to receive therethrough acorresponding protrusion 863 that is provided on a bottom surface ofmounting member 860 (FIGS. 109-110).

Mounting member 860 includes a generally elongated configuration havingopening 862 at a distal end thereof and protrusion 863 at a proximal endthereof to mount locking lever 840 to jaw member 808 (FIG. 109).Specifically, protrusion 840 e is positioned within aperture 862 andprotrusion 863 is positioned through aperture 876 and through anaperture 844 b provided within recess 842 adjacent aperture 844 a (seeFIG. 109). A slit 865 having a complementary configuration to latch 840d is provided on mounting member 860 adjacent aperture 862 and isconfigured to accommodate reception of latch 840 d therethrough;alignment of latch 840 d with slit 865 enables protrusion 840 e to bepositioned through aperture 862.

Turning now to FIGS. 114-123, actuator 832 is provided at a proximal endof cartridge 812 (FIG. 114) and is configured to selectively disengagelockout assembly 830 from the locked out configuration to allow firingof the working end 801 (FIG. 123). Actuator 832 may be formed from anysuitable material including but not limited to metal, plastic, etc. Inthe illustrated embodiment, actuator 832 is formed from a relativelyrigid plastic material and includes a generally elongated configurationhaving proximal and distal ends 832 a, 832 b, respectively (FIG. 115).

Referring to FIGS. 116-119, actuator 832 is positioned between a centralsupport wedge member 813 a and side wedge member 813 b that ispositioned to the right of central support wedge member 813 a. Actuator832 is configured to translate a predetermined distance distally withincartridge 812 as actuation sled 815 is moved through cartridge 812 toeject the plurality of fasteners (not shown). In accordance therewith,actuator 832 releasably couples to actuation sled 815 via one or moresuitable coupling method. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, anindent/detent configuration is utilized to releasably couple actuator832 and actuation sled 815 to one another. Specifically, an indent 833 aof suitable configuration is provided on a bottom surface 832 c ofactuator 832 and is configured to releasably couple to a correspondingdetent 833 b that is provided in between central support wedge 813 a andwedge 813 b (see FIGS. 119-121).

Actuator 832 includes a pair of generally elongated sidewalls 834 a, 834b that extend a predetermined length along actuator 832 (FIG. 119).Sidewalls 834 a, 834 b are spaced apart from one another to receivetherein a corresponding stop member 835 of suitable configuration thatis provided an interior sidewall 836 within cartridge 812, see FIG. 115in combination with 117. Interior sidewall 836 including stop member 835are positioned within cartridge 812 so as to allow distal translation ofactuation sled 815 through cartridge 812. Each of sidewalls 834 a, 834 bincludes a respective groove 837 a, 837 b that is configured to engagecorresponding top and bottom projections 838 a, 838 b of stop member 835to form a dovetail joint, as best seen in FIG. 117. In accordance withthe instant disclosure, when actuation sled 815 translates apredetermined distance past interior sidewall 836, distal end 832 b ofactuator 832 contacts interior sidewall 836 and grooves 837 a, 837 bengage top and bottom projections 838 a, 838 b to prevent distaltranslation of actuator 832 past interior sidewall 836. Moreover, withgrooves 837 a, 837 b engaged with top and bottom projections 838 a, 838b, actuator 832 is secured and prevented from moving within cartridge812. It should be noted that detent 833 b is configured to disengagefrom indent 833 a after such time that actuator 832 is secured to stopmember 835.

Detent 831 is provided at proximal end 832 a and extends a predetermineddistance inwardly therefrom to move latch 840 d of lockout assembly 830into a pre-fired configuration when cartridge 812 is coupled to jawmember 808, see FIGS. 122-123. Detent 831 may be angled (as in theinstant embodiment) or otherwise configured to facilitate contact withlatch 840 d (FIG. 123). When detent 831 moves out of contact with latch840 d, tip 840 c is urged into contact with and slides against a bottomportion (not explicitly shown) of drive beam members 803 (FIGS. 124-125and 127) until such time that the working end 801 is moved proximallypast tip 840 c and back to the retracted configuration (as best seen inFIG. 127). Once the working end 801 is moved to the retractedconfiguration, tip 840 c of locking member 840 is moved back to thelocked out configuration. The biasing force provided by leg portions 871a, 871 b on post 840 f prevents the working end 801 from moving past tipportion 840 c. That is, the biasing force provided by leg portions 871a, 871 b on post 840 f is greater than the force utilized to fire and/ortranslate the working end 801 distally and, therefore, leg portions 871a, 871 b do not move apart from one another as a result of contactbetween the working end 801 and tip portion 840 c as the working end 801is moved distally.

In use, locking lever 840 is, initially, in a locked out configurationwith tip 840 c positioned across the knife channel 814 to prevent distaltranslation of the working end 501 (FIGS. 106-108 and 112). Thereafter,cartridge 812 may be coupled to jaw member 808. In doing so, detent 831contacts and latch 840 d proximally to partially rotate locking lever840 within recess 842. Locking lever 840 rotates within recess 842 untillatch 840 d contacts trailing edge 864 and tip portion 840 c contactssidewall 842 a (FIGS. 111 and 122-123). At this time, post 840 f movesleg portions 871 a, 871 b away from one another and is biased by theforce provided therefrom (FIG. 111 for example).

With locking lever 840 and actuator 832 in the pre-fired configuration,the working end 801 including actuation sled 815 may be fired to stapleand, subsequently, sever the stapled tissue. When fired, the working end801 including actuation sled 815 and actuator 832 coupled thereto movedistally, which results in actuator 832 contacting stop member 835 in amanner as described hereinabove. Distal translation of actuator 832causes detent 831 to disengage from latch 840 d and allows locking lever840 to move back to the locked-out configuration (FIGS. 126-127).Specifically, when the working end 801 is moved proximally past lockinglever 840 to the retracted configuration, locking lever 840 against thebias of spring clip 870 is moved back to the locked out configuration.Once in the retracted configuration, the working end 801 is locked outfrom translating distally past tip portion 840 c as a result of thebiasing force provided on post 840 f by leg portions 871 a, 871 b.

With reference to FIGS. 128-133, a reload 1006 includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 isillustrated.

FIG. 130 illustrates a cartridge 1012 installed on a jaw member 1008with the working end 1001 in a locked out configuration. Unlike thepreviously disclosed knives, knife 1005 includes a slot 1005 a ofsuitable configuration that is defined by respective upper and lowerinterior walls 1005 c, 1005 d and is positioned adjacent a bottom flange1018 a. Slot 1005 a extends horizontally across knife 1005 (FIG. 133)such that knife 1005 can engage and/or disengage from a locking lever1030 (FIG. 132) and move from a retracted configuration to an extendedconfiguration. A notch 1005 b of suitable configuration is definedthrough lower interior wall 1005 d and is configured to selectivelyengage a corresponding lateral extension 1031 that is provided onlocking lever 1030 to lock out knife 1005 and prevent misfiring thereof(see FIGS. 128 and 132-133). Slot 1005 a including notch 1005 b may beformed via one or more suitable processes, e.g., etching or millingprocess, during a manufacturing process of knife 1005.

With reference to FIG. 132, locking lever 1030 is illustrated includinga generally elongated configuration including proximal and distal ends1030 a, 1030 b, respectively. An aperture 1032 of suitable configurationis provided adjacent proximal end 1030 a and is configured to couple toa rivet 1009 a that is configured along with an opposing rivet 1009 b tocouple jaw members 1008 and 1010 to one another (FIG. 130). Lockinglever 1030 pivots about rivet 1009 a so as to allow lateral extension1031 to selectively engage with and disengage from notch 1005 b (seeFIGS. 128-129). A spring (not shown) operably couples to locking lever1030 and is utilized to bias distal end 1030 b of locking lever 1030downwardly and into contact with a blocking member 1040 (FIGS. 128-130).

Blocking member 1040 is provided at a proximal end of an actuation sled(not shown) of the cartridge (not shown) and includes a slanted proximalend 1040 a that is configured to engage the distal end 1030 b of thelocking lever 1030 when the cartridge is coupled to the jaw member. Whenthe proximal end 1040 a of the blocking member 1040 engages the distalend 1030 b of the locking lever 1030, the locking lever 1030 movesdownwardly and the lateral extension 1031 moves out of engagement withthe notch 1005 b which allows the working end 1001 to advance throughthe cartridge.

In use, locking lever 1030 is, initially, in a locked out configurationwith lateral extension 1031 positioned within the notch 1005 b of theknife 1005 to prevent distal translation of the working end 1001 (FIG.128). Thereafter, the cartridge may be coupled to jaw member whichcauses the proximal end 1040 a of the blocking member 1040 to engage thedistal end 1030 b of the locking lever 1030 which moves the lateralextension 1031 of the locking lever 1030 out of engagement with thenotch 1005 b which allows the working end 1001 to advance through thecartridge (FIG. 129).

When fired, the working end 1001 engages the blocking member 1040 of theactuation sled to move the working end 1001 and blocking members 1040including the actuation sled distally through the cartridge. The lockinglever 1030 will move back to upward configuration as a result of theblocking member 1040 being advanced through the cartridge. When theworking end 1001 is moved back to the retracted configuration, theworking end 1001 is locked out from advancing as a result of engagementbetween the lateral extension 1031 and notch 1005 b of the knife 1005.

With reference to FIGS. 134-137, a reload 1106 includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 isillustrated. The locking mechanisms utilized by reload 1106 and reload1006 are substantially similar to one another. Accordingly only thosefeatures unique to reload 1106 are described in further detail.

Unlike knife 1005 that includes a notch 1005 b, a notch 1105 b ofsuitable configuration is defined within a slot 1105 a as opposed to alower interior wall 1105 d (see FIG. 137 for example). Slot 1105 b isconfigured to selectively engage a proximal end 1130 a that is providedon a locking lever 1130 to lock out knife 1105 and prevent misfiringthereof (see FIGS. 134-135).

Locking lever 1130 is configured to move sideways as opposed to up anddown as with locking lever 1030. Accordingly, locking lever 1130 isbiased outwardly to the right to urge proximal end 1130 a intoengagement with notch 1150 b to lock out knife 1105 (FIG. 135).

A blocking member 1140 is provided on an actuation sled 1115 (shown inphantom) and is configured to engage a distal end 1130 b of lockinglever 1130 (FIG. 134). Specifically, a proximal portion 1115 a ofblocking member 1140 is angled and configured to selectively engagedistal end 1130 b to move distal end 1130 b inwardly to the left suchthat proximal end 1130 a moves out of engagement of notch 1105 b (FIG.134). Once proximal end 1130 a is moved out of engagement with notch1105 b, knife 1105 may be fired.

In use, locking lever 1130 is, initially, biased to a locked outconfiguration so that knife 1105 cannot be fired (FIG. 135). Cartridge1112 may be coupled to jaw 1108. In doing so, proximal portion 1140 a ofblocking member 1140 moves into contact with distal end 1130 b oflocking lever 1130 and moves proximal end 1130 a of locking lever 1130out of engagement with notch 1105 b (FIG. 134).

With proximal end 1130 a disengaged from notch 1105 b, knife 1105 maythen be fired. As knife 1105 travels distally, it contacts actuationsled 1115, which, in turn, moves proximal end 1140 a of blocking member1140 out of engagement with distal end 1130 b locking lever 1130 so asto allow distal end 1130 b to move back to the biased configuration andlocking lever 1130 back to the locked out configuration. In the lockedout configuration, proximal end 1130 a is allowed to engage notch 1105 bwhen knife 1105 is in the retracted configuration (FIG. 135).

With reference to FIGS. 138-140, a reload 1206 includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 isillustrated.

A locking lever 1230 is pivotably coupled to a bottom surface 1208 aadjacent a channel 1214 of jaw member 1208 at a proximal end thereofadjacent the working end 1201. A pivot pin 1231 is utilized to couplelocking lever 1230 to bottom surface 1208 a and is configured to allowlocking lever 1230 to pivot thereabout from an activated (or locked out)configuration (FIG. 138), wherein the working end 1201 is locked out, toa deactivated configuration wherein the working end 1201 is allowed tomove distally through cartridge 1212 (FIG. 140). A detent orprotuberance 1232 of suitable configuration is provided on a bottomsurface of locking lever 1230 and is configured to contact bottom flange1218 b of the working end 1201 as the working end 1201 is translateddistally through cartridge 1212. Protuberance 1232 includes a proximalportion 1234 a and a distal portion 1234 b that are configured to camlocking lever 1230 such that the working end 1201 may move distally pastlocking lever 1230 and configured to cam locking lever 1230 such thatthe working end 1201 may be moved proximally past locking lever 1230. Aspring (not explicitly shown) may be utilized to bias locking lever 1230into the activated configuration. Specifically, the spring, e.g., atorsion spring, is configured to bias locking lever 1230 such that aproximal edge 1233 serves as a stop and contacts bottom flange 1218 bwhen the working end 1201 is moved distally.

A bottom portion 1212 a of cartridge 1212 adjacent an actuation sled1215 (shown in phantom) includes a removable tab portion 1240 that isconfigured to urge locking lever 1230 into the deactivated configurationwhen cartridge 1212 is installed (FIG. 139). Tab portion 1240 may beaffixed to bottom portion 1212 a via any suitable methods. For example,in the illustrated embodiment, tab portion 1240 is perforated andconfigured to be removed when contacted by the working end 1201 as theworking end 1201 is translated distally through cartridge 1212 (FIG.140).

In use, locking lever 1230 is, initially, in the activated configurationto lock out the working end 1201 to prevent misfire thereof (FIG. 138).Thereafter, cartridge 1212 may be installed. In doing so, bottom portion1212 a including tab portion 1240 is positioned over locking lever 1240to urge locking lever 1240 into the deactivated configuration (FIG.139).

The working end 1201 may then be fired. As the working end 1201 istranslated distally, bottom flange 1218 b contacts proximal portion 1234a which causes protuberance 1232 to move upwards, which, in turn, breaksoff (e.g., removes) tab portion 1240 (FIG. 140) from the bottom surface1212 a of cartridge 1212. When tab portion 1240 is removed, lockinglever 1230 is urged back to the activated configuration and into thecartridge 1212 (see FIG. 138). The working end 1201 may then be movedback to the retracted configuration. Specifically, bottom portion 1218 bcontacts distal portion 1234 b and cams locking lever 1230 such that theworking end 1201 may slide over protuberance 1232 and back to theretracted configuration. In the retracted configuration, the working end1201 is locked out and prevented from misfiring.

With reference to FIGS. 141-149, a reload 1306 includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 isillustrated.

With reference to FIGS. 141-143, initially, reload 1306 includes a pivotassembly 1350 that includes top and lower portions 1350 a, 1350 b.Unlike the previously described pivot assemblies, e.g., pivot assembly150, lower portion 1350 b of pivot assembly 1350 includes two legmembers 1353 a, 1353 b that are not identical. Specifically, leg member1353 a extends distally past leg member 1353 b and includes an aperture1354 of suitable configuration that is configured to receive therein alockout structure 1330. In the illustrated embodiment, aperture 1354includes a generally square configuration that complements aconfiguration of lockout structure 1330 (FIGS. 143-144). Aperture 1354is configured so as to allow locking structure 1330 to move outwardlyfrom an activated (locked out) configuration (FIGS. 142 and 146) to adeactivated (or non-locked out) configuration (FIGS. 147 and 149).

With continued reference to FIGS. 141-143, a cam block 1340 operablycouples to a channel 1341 (FIG. 142) that is provided within jaw member1308. Cam block 1340 is translatable along channel 1341 and isconfigured to contact lockout structure 1330 when cartridge 1312 isinstalled (FIGS. 146-147). Cam block 1340 includes a proximal portion1340 a and a distal portion 1340 b. Distal portion 1340 b includes agenerally rectangular configuration having a distal wall 1342 that isconfigured to contact a proximal end of an actuation sled (not shown) ofcartridge 1312 when cartridge 1312 is installed. This contact betweenthe actuation sled and distal wall 1342 moves cam block 1340 proximallyand into contact with lockout structure 1330. Specifically, an outerfacing, slanted, sidewall 1343 is provided at proximal portion 1340 aand is configured to cam a corresponding inner facing, slanted, sidewall1331 provided on lockout structure 1330 (FIGS. 144-145).

In embodiments, cam block 1340 may be configured to selectively coupleto the actuation sled via one or more suitable coupling methods. Forexample, in an embodiment an indent/detent configuration may be utilizedto couple cam block 1340 to the actuation sled when the actuation sledis installed. In this particular embodiment, for example, cam block 1340may include a detent (not shown) that is configured to couple to acorresponding indent on the actuation sled. Moreover, cam block 1340 maybe configured to translate distally when the actuation sled is contactedby the working end 1301 and moved distally through cartridge 1312.

Alternatively, while cam block 1340 has bee described herein as being aseparate component of the actuation sled, it is within the purview ofthe instant disclosure to provide cam block 1340 at a proximal end ofthe actuation sled. In this particular embodiment, cam block 1340 may bemonolithically formed with the actuation sled; or may be a separatecomponent that is coupled to the actuation sled via one or more couplingmethods, e.g. ultrasonic welding.

Referring to FIGS. 144-145, lockout structure 1330 includes a baseportion 1334 and a generally upright post portion 1332. Base portion1334 is configured so as to allow sidewall 1343 of cam block 1340 tomove beneath lockout structure 1330 and into contact with sidewall 1331lockout structure 1330 as cam block 1340 is moved proximally. Sidewall1331 extends diagonally across a bottom surface 1334 a of base portion1334 and is configured so as to allow cam block 1340 to cam lockoutstructure 1330 outwardly (FIGS. 146-147) as cam block 1340 is movedproximally. A top surface 1334 b of base portion 1334 slidably contactsa bottom surface 1352 of leg member 1353 b and slides therealong whenlockout structure 1330 is moved outwardly, see FIGS. 146-147).

Post portion 1332 extends orthogonally from top surface 1334 b of baseportion 1334 and includes a generally rectangular configuration (FIGS.144-145). Post portion 1332 is received through aperture 1354 andincludes a top portion 1336 that extends past a top surface of legmember 1353 a so as to contact a top flange 1318 a of a knife 1305 priorto cartridge 1312 being installed (FIGS. 141-142). Specifically, topportion 1336 includes a notched corner 1338 of suitable configurationdefined by sidewalls 1338 a, 1338 b that are disposed at a 90 degreeangle with respect to one another and a bottom wall 1338 c from whichsidewalls 1338 a, 1338 b extend. Notched corner 1338 is configured tocontact top flange 1318 a of knife 1305 to lock out the working end 1301and prevent misfiring thereof.

In embodiments, a leading corner edge 1338 c (shown in phantom in FIG.144) may be provided and configured to allow the working end 1301 tomove proximally past lockout structure 1330 so that the working end 1301may be moved back to the retracted configuration. In this particularembodiment, a top flange 1318 a is configured to contact and slideagainst leading corner edge 1338 c so as to allow the working end 1301to be moved to the retracted configuration.

A spring 1367, e.g., a coil spring, (FIG. 1367) of suitableconfiguration is provided within aperture 1354 and is configured to biaslockout structure 1330 inwardly. More particularly, spring 1367 isprovided within aperture 1354 and contacts an outer sidewall (notexplicitly show) of post portion 1332 to urge lockout structure 1330inwardly. Coil spring 1367 me be coupled to the outer sidewall of postportion 1332 via any suitable coupling methods. For example, an annularrecess of suitable configuration may be provided on the outer wall ofpost portion 1332 and configured to receive coil spring 1367 therein.

In use, lockout structure 1330 is, initially, in the activatedconfiguration to lock out the working end 1301 to prevent misfirethereof (FIG. 142). Thereafter, cartridge 1312 may be installed. Asnoted above, actuation sled 1315 and cam block 1340 may be configured tocouple to one another when cartridge 1312 is installed. In thisparticular embodiment, actuation sled 1315 contacts cam block 1340 andcouples thereto to move cam block 1340 proximally such that sidewall1343 of cam block 1340 contacts sidewall 1331 of lockout structure 1330to move top portion 1336 including notched corner 1338 outwardly and outof contact (and/or out of a path of translation of the working end 1301)with top flange 1318 a of the working end 1301 (FIGS. 148-149).

The working end 1301 may then be fired. As the working end 1301translates distally, it contacts the actuation sled and moves theactuation sled including cam block 1340 coupled thereto distally. As aresult thereof, cam block 1340 moves out of contact with lockoutstructure 1330 and lockout structure 1330 moves back to the locked outconfiguration as a result of the biasing force against the outer wall ofpost portion 1332 provided by spring 1367.

The working end 1301 may then be moved proximally past lockout structure1330 and back to the retracted configuration. Once the working end 1301is moved back to the retracted configuration, lockout structure 1330locks out the working end 1301 in a manner as described above.

In embodiments where the actuation sled and cam block 1340 are notconfigured to couple to one another, e.g., such as when the working end1301 is not configured for multiple firing, cam block 1340 may remain incontact with lockout structure 1330 when the working end 1301 is fired.In this particular embodiment, cam block 1340 maintains lockoutstructure 1330 in an outward configuration, e.g., a deactivatedconfiguration.

With reference to FIGS. 150-156, and initially with reference to FIGS.150-151, a reload 1406 includes a locking mechanism according to anembodiment of the instant disclosure and is configured for use withsurgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 is illustrated.

Unlike the previously described embodiments of reloads that utilizelocking mechanisms that are configured to prevent firing without acartridge or spent cartridge installed, reload 1406 (FIG. 150) utilizesa locking mechanism that prevents misfiring of the working end 1401 onlywhen a spent cartridge is coupled to a jaw member 1408. To this end, jawmember 1408 is configured to couple to a cartridge 1412 that includes alatch 1440 and a locking pin 1430 that collectively are configured toprevent misfiring of the working end 1401 when a spent cartridge 1412 iscoupled to jaw member 1408.

Latch 1440 is provided at a proximal end of cartridge 1412 and iscoupled thereto via one or more suitable coupling methods (FIGS.151-153). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, latch 1440includes a generally elongated configuration having an aperture 1441 ofsuitable configuration that is configured to receive therethrough arivet 1442, pin or the like. Rivet 1442 extends through a tissuecontacting surface 1421 of cartridge 1412 and couples latch 1440 tocartridge 1412 such that a bottom surface (not explicitly shown) oflatch 1440 rests against a top surface 1421 a that lies in the samegeneral plane as tissue contacting surface 1421 of cartridge 1412.Moreover, rivet 1442 couples latch 1440 to cartridge 1412 so as to allowlatch 1440 to rotate about rivet 1442 when latch 1440 is contacted by atop flange 1418 a of knife 1405 (FIG. 154).

A boss 1444 extends a predetermined distance orthogonally from a topsurface 1446 of latch 1440 and is configured to contact a leading edge1419 a of top flange 1418 a (FIGS. 151 and 154). Boss 1444 includes agenerally circumferential configuration which facilitates contactbetween leading edge 1419 a and boss 1444 as the working end 1401 istranslated distally.

In an initial configuration, latch 1440 positioned at least partiallyover recess 1431 to contact locking pin 1430 and maintain locking pin1430 in a deactivated configuration (FIG. 151). Moreover, contactbetween leading edge 1419 a and boss 1444 as the working end 1401translates distally therepast causes latch 1440 to rotate about rivet1442 and move out of contact with locking pin 1430 so that locking pin1430 may move into the locked out configuration. (FIGS. 154-156).

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 151-153, locking pin 1430 is providedat a proximal end of cartridge 1412 adjacent latch 1440 and is receivedwithin an aperture 1431 that extends through tissue contacting surface1421 of cartridge 1412. Locking pin 1430 includes a generallycircumferential configuration having a flange 1432 at a bottom endthereof configured to contact an interior top wall of cartridge 1412. Atip 1434 of locking pin 1430 includes a distal end 1430 a that ischamfered, beveled, slanted, etc., to slidably contact a trailing edge1419 b of top flange 1418 a when the working end 1401 is moved back tothe retracted configuration; the chamfered configuration of distal end1430 a allows for a smooth transition of the working end 1401 pastlocking pin 1430 (FIG. 155). Moreover, a proximal end 1430 b does notinclude a chamfer and is configured to contact leading edge 1419 a ofthe working end 1401 to lock out the working end 1401 and preventmisfiring thereof.

Locking pin 1430, e.g., tip 1434, is movable within aperture 1431 fromdeactivated configuration (FIG. 151), wherein tip 1434 is flush with thetissue contacting surface 1421 of cartridge 1412 (FIG. 151) to anactivated (or locked out) configuration, wherein tip 1434 is disposed apredetermined distance above tissue contacting surface 1421 (FIGS. 154and 156). In the deactivated configuration of locking pin 1434, theworking end 1401 including top flange 1418 a of the knife 1405 isallowed to translate distally past locking pin 1430.

A spring 1467 (or other suitable device) operably couples to locking pin1430 adjacent flange 1432 and is configured to upwardly bias locking pin1430 into the activated configuration (FIGS. 152-153). A protrusion ofsuitable configuration (not shown) may be provided on a bottom surfaceof locking pin 1430 and configured to couple to spring 1467 to maintainspring 1467 in contact with locking pin 1430. Alternatively, spring 1467may be fixedly coupled to locking pin 1430 by one or more suitablefixation methods, e.g., an adhesive.

In use, latch 1440 is, initially, positioned over locking pin 1430 tomaintain locking in 1430 in the deactivated configuration (FIG. 151). Inthe deactivated configuration, the working end 1401 is allowed to movedistally past locking pin 1430 to the engage actuation sled.

The working end 1401 may then be fired. As the working end 1401translates distally, leading edge 1419 a contacts boss 1444, which, inturn rotates latch 1440 about rivet 1442 and moves out of contact withlocking pin 1430 so that locking pin 1430 may move into the locked outconfiguration. (FIGS. 154-156).

The working end 1401 may then be moved back to the retractedconfiguration. As noted above, the chamfered configuration of distal end1430 a allows for a smooth transition of the working end 1401 pastlocking pin 1430 (FIG. 155).

Once in the retracted configuration, a proximal end 1430 b contactsleading edge 1419 a of the working end 1401 to lock out the working end1401 and prevent misfiring thereof (FIG. 156).

With reference to FIGS. 157-158, a cartridge assembly 1512 is configuredfor use with a reload (not explicitly shown) that includes a lockingmechanism according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure and isconfigured for use with surgical stapling apparatuses 100, 200 isillustrated.

One or more mechanical interfaces are provided on a proximal end of anactuation sled 1515 and are configured to selectively engage one or moremechanical interfaces disposed on a knife (not explicitly shown). In theillustrated embodiment, for example, a female end 1530 of suitableconfiguration is provided adjacent a bottom surface 1515 a of actuationsled 1515 and is configured to selectively engage a corresponding maleend (not explicitly shown) that is operably coupled to the knife. Femaleend 1530 includes a pair of bifurcated posts 1531 a, 1531 b that extendin a generally orthogonal direction relative to bottom surface 1515 a(FIGS. 157-158) and are aligned with the corresponding male end on theknife. Posts 1531 a, 1531 b are spaced apart from one another so that apress or friction fit may be utilized to selectively couple the knifeand actuation sled 1515 to one another as the knife is translateddistally through a firing sequence. As can be appreciated, actuationsled 1515 may include the male end and the knife may include female end1530. Moreover, it is within the purview of the instant disclosure toutilize other mechanical interfaces to selectively couple actuation sled1515 and the knife to one another.

A lockout clip 1540 of suitable configuration is provided on bottomsurface 1515 a of actuation sled 1515 and is configured to selectivelyengage a cover 1561 of cartridge 1512 (FIGS. 157-158) after the knife isfired and moved back to the retracted configuration. Lockout clip 1540may be monolithically formed with actuation sled 1515 or may be coupledthereto via one or more suitable coupling methods, e.g., adhesive,ultrasonic welding, etc.

In an embodiment, such as the illustrated embodiment, lockout clip 1540includes a generally elongated portion 1541 that is utilized to coupleto bottom surface 1515 a of actuation sled 1515; this embodiment isparticularly useful when lockout clip 1540 is formed as separatecomponent from actuation sled 1515 and, subsequently, coupled thereto.Alternatively, in embodiments, such as when lockout clip 1540 ismonolithically formed with actuation sled 1515, elongated portion 1541may be eliminated.

A generally arcuate portion 1542 extends distally from elongated portion1541 to form a living hinge thereabout and includes a lip 1543 thatengages cover 1561 (FIG. 158). Alternatively, arcuate portion 1542including lip 1543 may be formed on bottom surface 1515 a during amanufacturing process of actuation sled 1515. In either instance,arcuate portion 1542 including lip 1543 are configured such that in apre-installed configuration, lip 1543 is biased towards elongatedportion 1541 and bottom surface 1515 a of actuation sled 1515 so as notto engage cover 1561 (FIG. 157). In accordance with the instantdisclosure, locking clip 1540 (and operable components associatedtherewith) is/are configured not to impede distal translation of theknife through cartridge 1512.

In use, in a pre-installed configuration, actuation sled 1515 ispositioned within cartridge 1521 as shown in FIG. 157. In thisconfiguration, locking clip 1540 is not in a locked out configurationand the knife is free to translate distally through a firing sequence.

The knife may then be fired. As the knife translates distally, the maleend on the knife engages female end 1530 (FIGS. 154-156) on actuationsled 1515. Thereafter, the knife including actuation sled 1515 nowcoupled thereto may be moved proximally past a proximal edge 1562 ofcartridge 1512 to the retracted configuration. In doing so, lip 1543 isfree to flex away from elongated portion 1542 and bottom surface 1515 aof actuation sled to a locked out configuration. In the locked outconfiguration, lip 1543 is positioned to engage proximal edge 1562 ofcover 1512, which, in turn, prevents distal translation and, thus,misfiring of the knife (FIG. 158).

The figures show a replaceable loading unit with surgical stapling jawsthat has a shaft (such as a shaft 109) that can be attached to asurgical stapling apparatus. Other configurations are contemplated. Forexample, the replaceable loading unit can itself have a removable andreplaceable cartridge assembly. Alternatively, the jaws of theinstrument can be permanently attached and configured to receive aremovable and replaceable cartridge.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the instrument housing 102can be manually operated or powered.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapling apparatus, comprising: afirst jaw member; a cartridge configured to selectively couple to thefirst jaw member, the cartridge defining a channel and having fastenersand a platform area, the platform area defining an aperture; a secondjaw member having an anvil with staple forming depressions; a drivemember movable from a retracted position to an advanced position, thedrive member being configured to drive the fasteners toward the anvil;an actuator rotatably disposed in the aperture of the cartridge andhaving a head portion at a first end, and a notch at a second end, theactuator being biased by a resilient member from a first position to asecond position, the head portion having a tip extending into thechannel when the actuator is in the first position; and an interlockhaving an extension and being rotatably disposed adjacent the actuatorso that the extension is engaged with the notch when the actuator is inthe first position, the interlock moving to a position blocking thechannel when the actuator moves to the second position.
 2. The surgicalstapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive member has aflange that contacts the head portion when the drive member moves fromthe retracted position to the advanced position.
 3. The surgicalstapling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is biasedin a first direction, towards the second end, so that the head portionmoves in a second direction, towards the first end, when contacted bythe flange.
 4. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the actuator moves in the second direction to the secondposition so that the notch is moved away from the extension.
 5. Thesurgical stapling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a surface ofthe head portion has a protuberance for engaging the platform area tomove the actuator in the second direction.
 6. The surgical staplingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator has beveled sideedges to facilitate rotation of the actuator.
 7. The surgical staplingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head portion has a cone-likeshape.
 8. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe interlock engages a rivet in the position blocking the channel. 9.The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theinterlock is biased toward the position blocking the channel.
 10. Thesurgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drivemember includes a trailing surface, the trailing surface engaging theinterlock when the drive member is moved from the advanced position tothe retracted position.
 11. The surgical stapling apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising one or more motors.
 12. The surgicalstapling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a manuallyoperated trigger.
 13. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim1, wherein the interlock prevents advancement of the drive member fromthe retracted position when the actuator is in the second position. 14.A surgical stapling apparatus, comprising: a first jaw member; a secondjaw member; a cartridge configured to selectively couple to the firstjaw member, the cartridge including a plurality of fasteners anddefining a channel and an aperture; a knife translatable from aretracted position to an advanced position to drive the plurality offasteners from the cartridge toward the second jaw member; an actuatorrotatably supported on the cartridge, the actuator having a tipextending into the channel in a first position of the actuator andpositioned outside of the channel in a second position of the actuator,the actuator being biased by a resilient member towards the secondposition; and an interlock having a nonblocking position and a blockingposition, the interlock preventing translation of the knife from theretracted position towards the advanced position when the interlock isin the blocking position, wherein the interlock rotates to the blockingposition in response to the actuator rotating to the second position.15. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein theresilient member is configured to engage the actuator to bias theactuator towards the second position.